PM Modi will visit the Philippines from November 16 to 18 to attend the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and 21st East Asia Summit, focusing on regional cooperation, trade relations, strategic partnerships and India’s Act East policy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Philippines from November 16 to 18 to participate in the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit and the 21st meeting of the ASEAN-led East Asia Summit process. The visit is expected to strengthen India’s strategic, economic and diplomatic engagement with Southeast Asian countries.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the Prime Minister’s three-day visit on Thursday during a special media briefing in New Delhi. Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) at the MEA, provided details of the programme and highlighted the growing importance of India’s relationship with ASEAN and its member countries.
According to the MEA, Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the two major regional gatherings reflects India’s continued commitment to strengthening its Act East policy and expanding cooperation with Southeast Asian nations.
Tandon said India maintains active bilateral relationships with all 11 ASEAN member states and considers engagement with the ASEAN regional platform an important component of its foreign policy. He emphasised that cooperation with the regional grouping plays a significant role in advancing India’s strategic and economic interests.
During his stay in Manila, Prime Minister Modi is expected to attend a dinner hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for visiting dignitaries. The following day, he will participate in the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit, alongside other regional and international leaders. Several bilateral meetings with participating leaders are also expected to take place on the sidelines of the gatherings.
The MEA official further indicated that arrangements were being explored to facilitate an interaction between the Prime Minister and members of the Indian community residing in the Philippines. According to Tandon, there is considerable interest among the Indian diaspora in meeting Modi during his visit.
Highlighting the economic significance of India-ASEAN relations, Tandon described ASEAN as one of India’s major trading partners, with bilateral trade between India and the 11-member regional grouping standing at approximately USD 122 billion. He stressed that stronger economic engagement would benefit both sides and create opportunities for greater cooperation.
He also underlined the strategic importance of ASEAN for India, particularly in view of their geographical proximity and shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region. As an Indian Ocean country located close to the Southeast Asian maritime zone, India considers strong partnerships with ASEAN countries essential for regional security and stability.
Tandon said closer cooperation would help India and ASEAN respond more effectively to rapidly changing geopolitical developments while contributing to peace and stability across Asia.
The East Asia Summit, meanwhile, provides an important ASEAN-led platform where leaders discuss international security challenges and issues of common concern. Describing it as a unique grouping, Tandon highlighted its role in encouraging dialogue and diplomatic cooperation among participating countries.
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This year’s summit process is being chaired by the Philippines, which is hosting the meetings in Manila. The overall theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit and related processes is ‘Navigating the Future’, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening regional collaboration and building resilience against emerging global and geopolitical challenges.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to India’s engagement with ASEAN and reinforce its commitment to a stable, prosperous and cooperative Indo-Pacific region.
