India-Philippines completes 75 years of diplomatic relations, what did Jaishankar say on Act East Policy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended an event celebrating 75 years of India-Philippines diplomatic relations in Delhi. During this, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said that our relations are rooted in democratic values, pluralistic ethos and economic equality. Both our countries are deeply committed to upholding international law, norms and rules. Our relations have seen particularly significant growth over the past few years. Our defense and security cooperation has also progressed. This is supported by a combination of assessments and interests in the Indo-Pacific. Our relationship has been a natural beneficiary of India’s Act East Policy and the nation, moreover, I recognize that the Philippines is the country coordinator for India.

Earlier today, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud in the national capital. The two leaders met at Hyderabad House in Delhi. Subsequently, the two leaders began deliberations for the second meeting of the Political, Security, Social and Cultural Committee of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. Jaishankar shared the initial meeting between the two leaders on the social media platform X. In his post he welcomed Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan in New Delhi.

He said that a meaningful discussion is expected today. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud arrived in India on Tuesday night for his two-day visit. The Strategic Partnership Council was established in 2019 following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2019. The Committee reviewed the progress achieved by the four Joint Working Groups.