Did MoS Margherita Meet US Secretary of State in Malaysia?
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Synopsis
In a significant diplomatic engagement, MoS Pabitra Margherita met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the ASEAN-India FMM in Kuala Lumpur. This meeting reflects the strengthening ties between India and the US amidst discussions on key bilateral issues.
Key Takeaways
- MoS Pabitra Margherita met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to enhance bilateral relations.
- Key discussions included cooperation in counter-terrorism and heritage conservation.
- A new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026-2030 was adopted.
- Meetings with ASEAN leaders reflect India's commitment to regional partnerships.
- India aims to strengthen its presence and influence in Southeast Asia.
Kuala Lumpur, July 11 (NationPress) The Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, engaged with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) held in Malaysia on Friday.
In a post on X, Margherita expressed, "Thrilled to meet US Secretary of State @secrubio on the sidelines of the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia."
Earlier that day, Margherita conferred with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Cambodia, Prak Sokhonn, addressing an array of bilateral relations including heritage conservation and development partnerships.
Expressing appreciation for Cambodia's support in India's battle against terrorism, Margherita stated, "It was a pleasure meeting Prak Sokhonn, Dy. PM and Foreign Minister of Cambodia during the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia. We discussed our diverse bilateral relations, from heritage conservation to development partnerships. I also reflected on my recent visit to Cambodia, where I had several fruitful engagements, and thanked them for their support in India’s fight against terrorism."
On Thursday, Margherita convened with the Secretary General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, on the margins of the ASEAN-India FMM in Kuala Lumpur.
Margherita recognized Hourn’s dedication as the head of the ASEAN Secretariat in facilitating the execution of decisions made by leaders to enhance the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Separate discussions were held with Bui Thanh Son, Foreign Minister of Vietnam, and Sugiono, Foreign Minister of Indonesia, during the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India in Kuala Lumpur.
The MoS also met with Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Theresa P. Lazaro, where both leaders acknowledged their enduring friendship and 75 years of diplomatic ties, exploring avenues to bolster bilateral cooperation. Margherita expressed gratitude to the Philippines for their solidarity with India in its fight against terrorism.
On Thursday, Margherita also co-chaired the ASEAN-India FMM in Kuala Lumpur, where the new 2026-2030 ASEAN-India Plan of Action was unveiled.
As India's country coordinator, MoS Margherita co-chaired the meeting alongside Theresa P. Lazaro, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines.
"We adopted a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for the years 2026-2030 aimed at enhancing cooperation and fortifying our comprehensive strategic partnership. As we celebrate the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism this year, we discussed methods to enhance people-to-people relations further," Margherita mentioned on X.
Margherita arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday night to participate in the ASEAN-India FMM at the invitation of the current ASEAN Chair, Malaysia.
Point of View
The meetings conducted by MoS Margherita signal India's proactive diplomacy in Southeast Asia, showcasing India’s commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN countries and the United States. This approach aligns with India's broader strategy of enhancing regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts.
NationPress
30/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of MoS Margherita's meeting with US Secretary of State?
The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral relations between India and the US, focusing on strategic partnerships and cooperation in various sectors.
Who else did MoS Margherita meet during the ASEAN-India FMM?
Margherita met with several leaders, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Cambodia, the Secretary General of ASEAN, and Foreign Ministers from Vietnam and Indonesia.
What was discussed in the meetings with ASEAN leaders?
Discussions revolved around enhancing bilateral relations, heritage conservation, development partnerships, and the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action for 2026-2030.
