India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met his Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian and South‑Korean counterparts during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The meetings were held on the sidelines as the 47th ASEAN Summit gathered leaders to discuss inclusivity and sustainability.
At the summit, Jaishankar greeted Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. He said he looked forward to deepening India‑Singapore ties, noting that the two sides could boost cooperation in technology, trade and regional security. Jaishankar posted on X, “Good to meet FM Vivian Bala of Singapore. A very useful exchange on the global and regional scenario, as well as opportunities for strengthening India‑Singapore cooperation.”
In Kuala Lumpur, Jaishankar also met Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. He said the meeting marked the start of a stronger India‑Thailand strategic partnership. On X, he wrote, “First meeting with Thai FM Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Kuala Lumpur today. Look forward to working together to take forward our Strategic Partnership.”
Earlier that day, Jaishankar met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s wishes for a successful ASEAN Summit and highlighted the need to strengthen India‑Malaysia trade and people‑to‑people ties. In a post on X, Jaishankar noted, “Honoured to meet PM Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Conveyed the best wishes of PM Narendra Modi for a successful ASEAN Summit. Value his thoughts on strengthening our bilateral cooperation and people‑to‑people linkages.”
Jaishankar also met South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Hyun during ASEAN meetings in Malaysia. The two leaders discussed cooperation in automotive, electronics, semiconductors, defence and shipbuilding. Jaishankar tweeted, “Delighted to meet FM Cho Hyun of RoK on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Malaysia. Appreciate the deepening of our Special Strategic Partnership. Discussed cooperation in automotive, electronics, semiconductor, defence and shipbuilding.”
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the ASEAN‑India Summit virtually. He highlighted growing cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), maritime security and the blue economy. Modi also announced that 2026 will be the “ASEAN‑India Year of Maritime Cooperation.”
Jaishankar, who is currently in Malaysia, will represent PM Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Monday. The MEA said the summit will bring countries together to discuss peace, stability and prosperity across the Indo‑Pacific region and to share views on global developments.
The ASEAN‑India meetings and the upcoming East Asia Summit underscore India’s focus on strengthening regional ties and building a resilient Indo‑Pacific community.
Source: ianslive
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