Indian External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, is set to embark on a five-day journey to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia starting March 23. The primary objective of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relationships and address regional concerns of shared interest. Singapore will be Jaishankar's initial stop on the tour.

In a concise statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed Jaishankar's visit, highlighting that it comes at the invitation of his counterparts in the respective countries.

"The visit aims to bolster ties with Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, and presents an opportunity to discuss regional issues of mutual concern," the statement read.

Among the key topics likely to be discussed during Jaishankar's meetings are the situation in vital waterways such as the South China Sea and the Red Sea. Concerns have been mounting globally regarding China's expansive territorial claims in the South China Sea, which is rich in hydrocarbon resources. Various nations in the region, including Vietnam, the Philippines, and Brunei, have conflicting claims in the area.

India, along with other democratic nations, advocates for a peaceful resolution of disputes and adherence to international laws, particularly the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).

The defence and strategic cooperation between India and the Philippines have witnessed significant progress in recent years. In January 2022, India finalized a USD 375 million deal to supply three missile batteries to the Philippines, marking an important milestone in their bilateral relations.

Discussions during Jaishankar's visit may also cover recent incidents involving Houthi militants targeting cargo vessels in the Red Sea and other strategic water passages in the region.

Jaishankar's visit underscores India's commitment to strengthening ties with its Southeast Asian counterparts and addressing pressing regional challenges through diplomatic engagement.

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