Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed defence, security and maritime cooperation while meeting Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo during his visit to Manila.

Jaishankar posted on X: "Warm and productive meeting with @SecManalo of Philippines.Wide ranging discussion on advancing ties in political, defense, security & maritime cooperation, trade & investment, infrastructure, development cooperation, education, digital, technology, culture and consular domains."

"Exchanged views on global, regional and multilateral issues including Indo-Pacific, ASEAN, West Asia, Ukraine, NAM and UN. As two democracies committed to a rules-based order, look forward to intensifying our cooperation," he said.

Jaishankar, at the invitation of his counterparts,  is currently on an official visit to Singapore, Philippines and Malaysia from 23 to 27 March 2024.

He is currently visiting Malaysia after completing his trip to the other nation.

"The visit will focus on enhancing bilateral relations with the three countries, and would provide an opportunity for engagement on regional issues of mutual concern," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.