Lavrov Holds Separate Talks with India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in Manila
Dragon Media News Desk
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
Lavrov, who is in Manila to attend ASEAN-related ministerial meetings, met on Wednesday with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman.
The Russian Foreign Ministry released photographs of all three meetings. While the initial announcements confirmed that the talks had taken place, detailed information about the discussions, understandings or outcomes has not yet been made public.
Lavrov’s meeting with Dar came as Russia and Pakistan continue to expand their bilateral relations. Dar is in Manila to represent Pakistan at the 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum ministerial meeting.
Russia and Pakistan have strengthened contacts in recent years in areas including trade, energy, agriculture, security and regional affairs. The Manila meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on bilateral cooperation and the changing political environment in South and Central Asia.
Lavrov’s meeting with Jaishankar reflected the continuity of the long-standing strategic partnership between Russia and India. The two countries maintain close cooperation in energy, defence, trade, technology and multilateral forums.
Despite growing tensions in global politics, uncertainty in energy markets and Western sanctions against Russia, New Delhi has continued to maintain its strategic relationship with Moscow. The Manila meeting demonstrated that the two countries remain engaged in high-level dialogue on regional and international issues.
Lavrov also held separate talks with Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman.
Russia and Bangladesh cooperate in energy, nuclear technology, trade, education and infrastructure. The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant remains one of the most important strategic projects between the two countries.
Lavrov’s meetings with the three senior South Asian diplomats on the same day highlighted Russia’s policy of maintaining broad and diversified relations across the region.
Despite the competitive relationship between India and Pakistan, Moscow has continued to develop separate partnerships with both countries. Its engagement with Bangladesh also reflects Russia’s interest in maintaining a diplomatic and economic presence in the Bay of Bengal region and across South Asia.
Lavrov’s visit to Manila is focused on the Russia–ASEAN ministerial meeting, the ASEAN Regional Forum and related diplomatic events.
Discussions at the meetings include regional security, economic cooperation, tensions in the Middle East, the South China Sea, the Myanmar crisis and changes in the international system.
The separate meetings in Manila indicate that Russia is using ASEAN platforms as an opportunity to strengthen its relations with key South Asian partners.
