The Ministry of External Affairs announced that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on an official visit to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23 to March 27, upon receiving invitations from his counterparts in these countries.
The primary objective of Jaishankar’s three-nation tour is to strengthen bilateral relations and engage in discussions on regional issues of mutual concern. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that this visit presents an opportunity for constructive engagement and collaboration.
Jaishankar’s previous visit to Singapore took place in October 2023, where he conducted several bilateral meetings with Singaporean leaders and senior Cabinet ministers. During this visit, discussions revolved around enhancing cooperation and partnership between India and Singapore.
In June 2023, Philippines Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo visited India, leading to fruitful discussions and the co-chairing of the 5th India-Philippines Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) in New Delhi by Jaishankar and Manalo. This joint commission meeting aimed to strengthen the ties between the two nations across various sectors.
Additionally, Minister of State for External Affairs and Education, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, undertook an official visit to Malaysia in December 2023. During this visit, he played a crucial role in bolstering the bilateral cooperation established under the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Singh’s visit underscored India’s commitment to deepening ties with Malaysia across diplomatic, economic, and educational domains.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted Singh’s visit to Malaysia from November 30 to December 2, the previous year, emphasizing the significance of such engagements in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing mutual interests.
Overall, Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia reflects India’s proactive approach towards nurturing robust partnerships, fostering regional cooperation, and addressing shared challenges. These diplomatic efforts underscore India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic presence and engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.
