External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Horn in Manila to discuss further the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two also exchanged views on the main pillars of the Action Plan 2026-2030.
manila [फिलीपींस]July 22 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Horn on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) in Manila on Wednesday. During this, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed the roadmap for future cooperation.
Sharing details of the meeting in a post on X, Jaishankar said he thanked the ASEAN Secretariat for its continued support in strengthening India-ASEAN relations and exchanged views on the main pillars of the India-ASEAN Action Plan for 2026-2030.
Good to interact with Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General @ASEAN in Manila today. @hourn_kao Thank him for the consistent support from the @ASEAN Secretariat for advancing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Also exchanged views on the core pillars of India-ASEAN Plan… pic.twitter.com/U1zDWjjZ5Z — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 22, 2026
Jaishankar said, “It was a pleasure to speak with @ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Horn in Manila today. Thank him for the continued support he has received from the @ASEAN Secretariat to advance our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
They further said, “Also exchanged views on the main pillars of the India-ASEAN Action Plan for 2026-2030 to further strengthen our partnership in politics, economy, security and culture. #ActEast #IndoPacific.”
In a separate post on X, the ASEAN Secretariat said, “ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Horn today held a bilateral meeting with Dr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister of the Republic of India, on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings in Manila, Philippines.”
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings in Manila, the Philippines, today.… pic.twitter.com/FInWfF5bvN — ASEAN (@ASEAN) July 22, 2026
It further said, “The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”
Jaishankar’s emphasis on energy, food and health security
Delivering his opening remarks at the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with India 2026 in Manila, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stressed that energy, food and health security “can no longer be taken for granted” and said both India and ASEAN are “optimistic about our prospects”.
Jaishankar also underlined the importance of maritime trade. “…Energy, food and health security can no longer be taken for granted. As we all depend heavily on maritime trade, this may also become a source of concern. It is important to adhere to international law in this regard. Incidentally, 2026 is the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation. It is a timely reminder of what we can do for a more stable and secure future. Both India and ASEAN are optimistic about their prospects… Trade and commerce are on the India-ASEAN agenda today. Including investment, mobility and talent, technology, digital and AI, green and sustainability, as well as connectivity. It is only through deeper collaboration that we can reduce risks and diversify…”
His comments came after the Philippines took over the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026. (ANI)
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