ASEAN: EAM steps up diplomatic outreach

Manila: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia.

“Exchanged perspectives on the recent developments in the Gulf region. Agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar said in a post on X. Al Busaidi described the talks as “productive discussions on the evolving regional landscape and the need for sustained engagement”.

Jaishankar also called on Philippine President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr, conveying greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterating India’s support for the Philippines’ ASEAN chairship.

He held bilateral talks with UK Foreign Secretary Edward Miliband and said the two sides agreed to build on the momentum generated by the recent implementation of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The minister also met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen to review cooperation in semiconductors, water resources, green hydrogen, health and culture following Modi’s recent visit to the Netherlands.

Jaishankar also held meetings with Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin W Tkatchenko and Brunei Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation. On the sidelines, he met European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas, Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman and UNRWA interim Commissioner-General Chri­stian Saunders. —PTI