External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who arrived in New York on Sunday for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), is scheduled to meet United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio today, according to the US State Department’s public schedule. This will be the first meeting between the two since the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods by the Trump administration over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.
Jaishankar and Rubio last met in Washington in early July, and prior to that in January this year.
Earlier, the External Affairs Minister held talks with Philippines Foreign Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro on the sidelines of UNGA. The leaders recalled Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s visit to India in August and highlighted the growing partnership between New Delhi and Manila.
Posting on X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to meet Secretary of Foreign Affairs @SecLazaro of Philippines at the start of #UNGA80 in New York. We followed up on the recent State Visit of President @bongbongmarcos to India. Also discussed our cooperation in the UN and the Indo-Pacific region.”
Lazaro added that their discussion reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment as Strategic Partners, “to actively develop cooperation in political, defence and security, the maritime domain, etc.” The meeting underscored strengthening India-Philippines ties, particularly in security and maritime collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
India and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in November 1949, with bilateral cooperation spanning trade, defence, maritime security, agriculture, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and digital technologies. Both nations also collaborate closely within ASEAN frameworks, with India’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership reinforcing regional engagement.
This year’s UNGA coincides with several high-level events, including the UN’s 80th anniversary celebrations, a Climate Ambition Summit convened by Secretary-General António Guterres, and a meeting marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration on women’s rights.