Indian Ambassador-Designate Pays Virtual Courtesy Call on Secretary Locsin

PASAY CITY 17 September 2020 — Indian Ambassador-designate Shambhu S Kumaran paid a virtual courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., today.

Ambassador-designate Kumaran arrived in Manila on 31 July 2020, succeeding former Ambassador Jaideep Mazumdar.

The Secretary and Ambassador-designate Kumaran took stock of the state of Philippine-Indian relations. Both sides welcomed the high degree of engagement across all fronts, and the impetus generated by the State Visit of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind last year.

Both sides reaffirmed their governments’ commitment to further boosting overall ties and cooperation in the areas of security, trade and investment, agriculture as well as information and technology. Particular stress was given to cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals, especially in addressing challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Secretary took the occasion to thank India for its support for the Philippine government and the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi in the repatriation of Filipinos from India. To date, over 800 Filipinos have been repatriated, many of whom were accommodated in flights chartered by the Indian government. Ambassador-designate Kumaran likewise expressed appreciation to the Philippine Government for the positive and timely facilitation of the repatriation of Indian nationals stranded in the Philippines.

Last year, the Philippines and India celebrated 70 years of diplomatic relations, which date back to 16 November 1949.

Secretary Locsin was joined by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Meynardo LB. Montealegre, Executive Director for Asian and Pacific Affairs Josel F. Ignacio and Director for South and Central Asia Anna Marie C. Santos. END

(Photos by Nilo Palaya)