PM Modi Philippines Visit for ASEAN and East Asia Summits Starting Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on November 16 and 17, 2026. Accepting the official invitation extended by the President of the Philippines, Ferdinand R, while , Prime Minister Modi will undertake this crucial diplomatic journey. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, abbreviated as EAS, which are being hosted by the Philippines on November 17. This high-level international visit holds immense significance for bilateral ties, regional diplomacy, and multilateral cooperation between India and Southeast Asian nations.

Significance of ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation

This landmark visit by the Prime Minister comes at a very opportune time when India and ASEAN are jointly celebrating the year 2026 as the 'ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation'. The depth and resilience of the relationship between both sides can be understood from the fact that the year 2027 will mark the completion of 35 years of dialogue relations and five full years of the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and ASEAN. Against this vibrant backdrop, Prime Minister Modi's ongoing tour is widely perceived as a historic milestone aimed at further cementing mutual trust and expanding maritime security cooperation across the region.

Review of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Action Plan

During the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit, leaders from both sides will undertake a comprehensive review of the ongoing progress in their multifaceted strategic partnership. Discussions will primarily focus on charting the future course of bilateral cooperation, which includes the effective implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action for the period spanning 2026 to 2030. Also, at the East Asia Summit, Prime Minister Modi will engage in meaningful deliberations and exchange vital perspectives on pressing regional and global issues with leaders from ASEAN member states and other partner countries. This entire diplomatic tour is considered critical in the context of India's strong Act East Policy, enhanced maritime cooperation with ASEAN, and dynamic regional and global partnerships within the Indo-Pacific region.

Giving New Momentum to India-Philippines Trade Relations

Just ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival, India and the Philippines held extensive discussions on Friday to expedite the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Goods Trade Agreement. These critical deliberations took place during the 14th meeting of the India-Philippines Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment, which was held in Manila. According to an official statement released by the Ministry of Commerce, the meeting placed strong emphasis on bringing the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, known as AITIGA, to a swift and constructive conclusion. In addition to this, both nations also explored the immense possibilities of initiating formal negotiations for a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement, referred to as PTA, between India and the Philippines.

Structure of ASEAN and Philippines Chairmanship

For context, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, commonly known as ASEAN, is a prominent grouping comprising 11 member countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Currently, the Philippines is serving as the chair of this 11-nation bloc and is successfully hosting all these crucial deliberations. The primary objective of Prime Minister Modi's visit is to foster strong maritime security cooperation while further strengthening bilateral trade and investment linkages. Also, following this significant diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to embark on a two-day official visit to Canada on December 11.