Jaishankar, Philippines counterpart talk security

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Eyeing to expand strategic and security partnership amid China’s territorial ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held wide-ranging dialogue with Teodoro L Locsin, Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, in what was the first visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to the Southeast Asian country in a decade.

The two ministers also discussed health as well as regional and global matters of mutual interest, according to the Philippines Foreign Ministry.

Jaishankar tweeted that he held “productive discussions” with Locsin Jr., as “we are entering a new phase of our partnership. Its basis is the mutuality of national security and development aspirations”.

“Secretary @teddyboylocsin and Minister @DrSJaishankar are expected to discuss the current robust ties between PH and India as well as future directions of bilateral relations,” the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines tweeted on Monday.

The visit and dialogue happened in the backdrop of contract for supplying BrahMos missiles (jointly developed by India and Russia) to the Philippines.

In January 2022, the Philippines signed a $375 million agreement of three batteries of shore-based anti-ship missile Brahmos missile for upgrading Manila’s coastal defence capabilities. Philippines will be first recipient of Brahmos missiles aboard. (The Economic Times)