Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held a brief meeting on Thursday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Manila, reflecting continued diplomatic engagement between the neighbouring countries.
According to an official from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers exchanged greetings during the regional gathering in the Philippine capital. No details of any formal discussions or bilateral agenda were disclosed.
The meeting took place as foreign ministers and senior diplomats from across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Manila for the annual ASEAN Regional Forum, which provides a platform for dialogue on regional security, political cooperation and broader international issues.
The encounter between Dr Khalilur Rahman and Dr Jaishankar was part of a series of engagements taking place on the margins of the forum, where ministers often use the opportunity to hold informal bilateral meetings alongside the main programme.
Dr Jaishankar also met Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath during the event, continuing India’s diplomatic outreach with regional partners attending the forum.
The ASEAN Regional Forum brings together ASEAN member states and dialogue partners, including Bangladesh and India, to discuss issues affecting regional peace, security and cooperation. The annual meeting remains one of the region’s key diplomatic platforms, enabling governments to strengthen communication and maintain engagement on matters of shared interest.
The brief interaction in Manila underscores the importance of maintaining diplomatic contact between Bangladesh and India during major multilateral gatherings, even when no formal bilateral talks are scheduled.
