India supports Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty, says EAM Jaishankar
| 2024-03-26
India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with Philippines’ Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo in Manila on March
It is essential that India and the Philippines cooperate more closely, says EAM Jaishankar
India firmly supports the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday (March 26, 2024), in a significant statement amid the Southeast Asian nation's maritime dispute with China in the South China Sea.
Addressing a joint press conference with his counterpart Enrique Manalo in Manila, he pointed out that the progress and prosperity of this region was best served by staunch adherence to a rules-based order.
"UNCLOS 1982 is particularly important in that regard as the constitution of the seas. All parties must adhere to it in its entirety, both in letter and in spirit. I take this opportunity to firmly reiterate India’s support to the Philippines for upholding its national sovereignty," EAM Jaishankar said.
India-Philippines Maritime Cooperation
According to EAM Jaishankar, as two seafaring nations of the Indo-Pacific, maritime cooperation holds great potential.
"Last year, we signed agreements on enhanced maritime cooperation and white shipping. It is appropriate that even today, there is an Indian Coast Guard vessel, which is making a port call in Manila. Secretary Manalo and I have discussed our shared interests in ensuring maritime safety, given that our two countries contribute so much to the global shipping industry," he stated.
EAM Jaishankar also briefed his counterpart about the Indian Navy’s deployments in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea to counter ongoing threats. "He himself has spoken about the rescue of MV True Confidence by one of our ships, INS Kolkata. And there have been some other instances, I think since then, MV, Lila Norfolk, as well which involved some crew from the Philippines," he pointed out.
Essential that India & Philippines cooperate more closely
"As the world changes, it is essential that countries like India and the Philippines cooperate more closely to shape the emerging order," EAM Jaishankar said.
According to him, the growing closeness between the two nations was visible in a range of domains starting from trade and investment and extending to health and food security, to education and science and technology, defence and maritime cooperation.
Bilateral trade crossed the USD 3 billion level last year, EAM Jaishankar noted, and expressed confidence that it will continue to grow.
"My message in the discussions with Secretary Manalo was that India, as the 5th largest economy currently, growing at about 7% annually, is preparing to step up its engagement with the Philippines," he added.
The meeting looked at developments in bilateral ties, particularly the rapid progress on Quick Impact Projects in agriculture, health and capacity building. Indian companies have been active here, as much as in the digital infrastructure as in the physical one.
"There is considerable interest in the Indian corporate sector in stepping that up. The growing comfort and trust between us is also reflected in the ongoing supplies of rice from India as an exceptional measure," EAM Jaishankar stated.
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