India‑China Stability Push & Quad‑ASEAN Coordination in Manila – Implications for Indo‑Pacific Security
During a high‑level meeting in Manila, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted that a stable multi‑polar Asia and a multi‑polar world can be achieved through steady India‑China ties. The discussion took place just before the Quad foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Key Developments
- Jaishankar stressed that peace in border areas is a prerequisite for normal India‑China relations.
- Recent India‑China confidence‑building steps include resumption of direct flights, visa regime updates, Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, and border trade.
- The Quad reaffirmed support for a free, open Indo‑Pacific and ASEAN centrality, discussing the AOIP, trans‑national security, critical technologies and HADR.
- China‑Philippines tension rose after a maritime clash at Ren’ai Reef.
- India expressed strong concern over the safety of its seafarers after four were killed by a Russian projectile in the Black Sea.
- India delivered the BrahMos to the Philippines, underscoring defence cooperation.
Important Facts
• The meeting followed the October 2024 Kazan summit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, where both leaders agreed that differences should not become disputes.
• Jaishankar highlighted the need for predictable supply chains and fair market access in India‑China trade.
• Quad ministers als