Modi to attend ASEAN-India Summit in Phillipines next week
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Philippines from November 16-18 to attend the 23rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. "In addition to a very active bilateral relationship with all 11 ASEAN member states, we see our engagement with the ASEAN regional platform also as a key element or building block of our Act East policy," Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) at MEA, said.
Summit agenda
PM to attend dinner hosted by Philippine president
During his visit, PM Modi will attend a dinner hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The following day, he will also participate in the ASEAN-India Summit and East Asia Summit.
Bilateral meetings with other leaders are also scheduled during this time.
Tandon said that there is a strong demand from the Indian community in the Philippines to meet PM Modi, which they are trying to accommodate in his schedule.
Economic ties
Strategic cooperation with ASEAN important for India: MEA
Tandon highlighted the economic importance of India's engagement with Southeast Asia, noting that trade with the region has reached around $122 billion.
He said closer strategic cooperation with ASEAN is important for India amid rapid geopolitical changes.
"A strong strategic relationship with the ASEAN member states...is good for both of us," he said, adding it contributes to peace and stability in Asia.
Security discussions
East Asia Summit to be held after ASEAN-India Summit
The East Asia Summit will be held after the ASEAN-India Summit. This unique ASEAN-led grouping of eight leaders discusses global security issues and common concerns in an informal setting.
The Philippines is leading this year's East Asia Summit process as the ASEAN Chair, with Manila hosting the meetings.
The theme for this year's meetings is "Navigating the Future," focusing on enhancing cooperation and resilience among member countries amid changing global circumstances.