US reaffirms commitment to free, open Indo-Pacific during ASEAN FMs' Meeting
New Delhi, July 23
The United States on Thursday reiterated its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific as leaders gathered in Manila for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, underscoring Washington's focus on strengthening its partnership with Southeast Asian nations.
In a post on X, the US Embassy in India said the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) share a common vision for an Indo-Pacific that advances "safety, security, and prosperity" across the region.
"The United States and @ASEAN share a common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific - one that advances safety, security, and prosperity across our nations. As leaders meet for the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting in Manila this week, we remain focused on our mutual priorities and on strengthening a partnership that will endure for generations to come," the embassy said.
The embassy in its post also highlighted remarks made by US President Donald Trump during the 13th ASEAN-US Summit in October 2025, reaffirming Washington's long-term commitment to Southeast Asia.
"The United States is committed to a free, open, and thriving Indo-Pacific. My message to the nations of Southeast Asia is that the United States is with you 100 per cent and we intend to be a strong partner and friend for many generations to come," Trump said at that time.
Earlier, India on Wednesday joined its Quad partners in advocating for peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific while reiterating "unwavering support" for "ASEAN unity and centrality" amid growing Chinese military muscle-flexing in the South China Sea.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi convened for the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Manila, following their previous interaction in New Delhi in late May.
In a joint statement issued after the deliberations, the Quad reiterated its commitment to reinforcing a free and open Indo-Pacific, highlighting ASEAN's critical role in regional governance.
"We are deeply invested in the region's success and in cooperating with ASEAN and its member states," the foreign ministers stated.
The ministers evaluated regional challenges and explored avenues to bolster practical implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), focusing on maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technologies, along with humanitarian assistance and emergency response.
"We are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region," the joint statement noted.
The 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related ministerial sessions are to run for five days from 20 to 24 July 2026 in Manila, Philippines.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Quad nations coming together. ASEAN centrality is crucial for regional stability. But why does it feel like every time there's tension in South China Sea, we have these meetings? Real solutions needed, not just statements. 🇮🇳
As someone living in the US, I'm glad to see America engaging constructively with ASEAN and India. Trump's 100% commitment sounds nice but policies need to be consistent regardless of who's in power. Actions matter more than tweets!
The Quad meeting in Manila is significant. India, US, Japan, and Australia discussing maritime security is exactly what's needed to counterbalance China's aggressive posturing. But I hope this doesn't become just rhetoric - we need tangible cooperation on freedom of navigation and cyber security.
Great diplomatic move by the US. But let's be real - the Indo-Pacific strategy needs to include economic cooperation, not just security. ASEAN nations need infrastructure investment and trade opportunities, not just military alliances. India's Act East policy should complement this.
Interesting timing - this meeting comes right after India's own Quad engagement. The emphasis on ASEAN centrality shows India's diplomatic maturity. But honestly, while these meetings are important, we need more concrete outcomes. The South China Sea issues won't resolve with just joint statements. 😐
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