Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a visit to Manila, Philippines, from November 16 to 18, 2026, to participate in the 23rd ASEAN–India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced the visit during a media briefing in New Delhi on November 12. Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said India's engagement with the ASEAN regional platform, alongside its bilateral relations with all 11 member states, is an important building block of the country's Act East Policy.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
PM Narendra Modi will visit Manila from November 16 to 18, 2026.
He will participate in the 23rd ASEAN–India Summit.
The Prime Minister will also attend the 21st East Asia Summit.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to host a dinner.
India considers ASEAN engagement an important component of its Act East Policy.
The visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen regional and strategic cooperation.
According to the programme details shared during the briefing, the Prime Minister's engagements in Manila will begin with a dinner hosted by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The following day, Mr Modi is scheduled to participate in the ASEAN–India Summit and the East Asia Summit.
Tandon highlighted ASEAN's development over nearly six decades as a regional organisation and its contribution to economic cooperation among its member countries. He said the grouping has developed into an important platform for promoting regional peace, stability and economic prosperity.
India engages with ASEAN at multiple levels, including through meetings of heads of government. The Prime Minister's participation in the upcoming summits reflects the importance India attaches to its partnership with the regional organisation.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
ASEAN is an important partner in India's engagement with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Cooperation with the grouping covers trade, investment, connectivity, maritime security and regional stability. The Prime Minister's participation in the summits reflects India's continued diplomatic engagement with Southeast Asian countries and its interest in strengthening regional partnerships.
Tandon also underlined the importance of maintaining strong strategic relations with ASEAN countries, both collectively and individually. He said such cooperation would benefit both sides and contribute to greater resilience amid changing geopolitical circumstances.
The upcoming visit will provide an opportunity for India and its regional partners to discuss shared priorities and strengthen cooperation on economic, strategic and regional issues.
