Prime Minister Modi to Attend ASEAN-India Summit in the Philippines Next Week
Prime Minister Modi will visit the Philippines for the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit from November 16 to 18, 2026.
New Delhi, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the Philippines next week to participate in the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced this during a media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday. The visit will take place from November 16 to 18.
Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) at the MEA, highlighted that India maintains bilateral relations with all 11 ASEAN member countries. He emphasized that engagement with the ASEAN regional platform is a crucial element of India’s “Act East Policy.”
During his time in Manila, Prime Minister Modi will be hosted at a dinner by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The following day will feature the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit, which will include bilateral meetings with other leaders.
Tandon noted a significant demand from the Indian community to meet the Prime Minister, and efforts are being made to accommodate this in his schedule.
The ASEAN bloc has emerged as a key trading partner for India, with trade between India and the region amounting to approximately $122 billion. Tandon stated that being a nation connected to the Indian Ocean, which is close to this vital Southeast Asian maritime region, strengthens strategic ties with ASEAN member countries. These relationships are beneficial for both sides in navigating rapidly changing geopolitical landscapes and contributing to peace and stability across Asia.
Describing the East Asia Summit as a unique ASEAN-led group, Tandon remarked that it allows leaders from ASEAN and other nations to discuss global security and shared concerns in an informal setting. He noted that the Philippines, as the ASEAN chair this year, is hosting the summit in Manila, showcasing the success of ASEAN’s collective diplomacy.
The theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit and related processes is “Navigating the Future,” focusing on enhancing mutual cooperation to address ongoing changes in the region.
