External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to embark on a significant diplomatic journey this month, with scheduled visits to Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The objective of these visits is to strengthen bilateral relations and engage in discussions on key regional issues, as announced by the external affairs ministry on Saturday.The five-day official visit, commencing on March 23, underscores Indias commitment to fostering closer ties with these Southeast Asian nations. According to the ministry, the visit will primarily focus on enhancing bilateral relations with Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia, providing a platform for dialogue on mutual concerns related to the region.Singapore holds a pivotal position as one of Indias closest partners within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The relationship between India and Singapore spans various sectors, including trade, defence, and security. Notably, the establishment of a real-time link between their digital payment systems last year signifies their collaborative efforts in facilitating instant and cost-effective fund transfers.In recent years, India has significantly deepened its ties with the Philippines, particularly in the realm of defence cooperation. The Philippines made history by becoming the first overseas customer for the BrahMos cruise missile, a joint venture between India and Russia. Additionally, India has voiced its support for the Philippines stance on territorial disputes in the South China Sea, further strengthening their strategic partnership.Meanwhile, India-Malaysia relations witnessed a cooling period due to various challenges in recent years. However, both nations have actively sought to restore bilateral relations to a positive trajectory, especially following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahims assumption of office in 2022. The upcoming diplomatic engagements aim to build upon these efforts and foster a conducive environment for constructive dialogue and collaboration between India and Malaysia.
