Prime Minister Modi to Visit Philippines for ASEAN and East Asia Summit

New Delhi, November 13 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to travel to the Philippines from November 16 to 17 at the invitation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. During this visit, he will participate in the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, both hosted by the Philippines as the current ASEAN chair.

This marks the 13th occasion since 2014 that Modi will take part in the ASEAN-India Summit, highlighting the robust and growing partnership between India and ASEAN.

The visit will focus on reviewing the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between ASEAN and India. Discussions will also cover regional and global issues, aiming to explore new avenues for enhanced cooperation.

The Philippines is chairing ASEAN this year under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Additionally, 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), which promotes principles of peace, mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation. India was among the initial dialogue partners to accept this treaty.

This trip presents an opportunity to further strengthen relations between India and ASEAN. The two sides will emphasize collaboration in key areas such as maritime security, disaster management, trade and investment, digital transformation, defense cooperation, connectivity, development partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges.

The East Asia Summit will allow Modi to engage with leaders from participating countries on significant regional and international issues. India will reaffirm its commitment to an open, inclusive, and future-oriented regional framework.

As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner of ASEAN, India supports the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and various strategic programs, including ASEAN connectivity.

New and practical initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and deepening institutional ties are expected to be announced during the summit.

India and ASEAN share a rich historical and cultural relationship that spans thousands of years. The connection has been strengthened through culture, knowledge, trade, and maritime routes, laying the groundwork for today’s strong partnership.

ASEAN is a crucial component of India’s Act East Policy and plays a vital role in India’s approach to the Indo-Pacific region. India consistently supports ASEAN’s unity, its central role, and the ASEAN-led regional framework.

The dialogue partnership between India and ASEAN began in 1992 and evolved into a Strategic Partnership in 2012, further advancing to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

Since then, cooperation in political, security, economic, and socio-cultural areas has steadily increased.

The ASEAN-India Action Plan 2026-2030 provides a significant framework for strengthening cooperation and translating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into tangible outcomes.

Currently, over 40 dialogue mechanisms are operational, led by various ministries of the Indian government, aimed at deepening engagement and collaboration with the ASEAN region.