India, Philippines Strengthen Strategic Ties at ASEAN Meeting in Manila

In a post on X, Lazaro stated, "A pleasure meeting Mr. Periasamy Kumaran, Secretary (East) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, who is in Manila for the 28th ASEAN-India Senior Officials' Meeting. We had a brief but productive exchange on the progress of Philippines-India strategic partnership, as well as on India's active support for ASEAN."

India and the Philippines formally established diplomatic relations in November 1949, shortly after both countries gained independence. According to the MEA, bilateral ties between two nations are friendly, based on shared values and commonalities, such as vibrant democratic polity, pluralistic society, rule of law, an independent judiciary, free press and the widespread use of the English language.

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) convened in Manila, continued to discuss the Philippines' Chairship priorities and deliverables to advance ASEAN Community-building, including ways to strengthen ASEAN's external relations and preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026. According to a statement released by ASEAN, the meeting, which comprised of plenary and retreat sessions, was attended by SOM Leaders of ASEAN Member States or their representatives, and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Political-Security Community.

The ASEAN was established in Thailand in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, according to the official statement. Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN in January 1984, followed by Vietnam in July 1995, Laos and Myanmar in July 1997, Cambodia in April 1999 and Timor-Leste in October 2025 making up what is today the 11 Member States of ASEAN.

- IANS