Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to discuss ways to further strengthen India’s strategic, economic and maritime cooperation with ASEAN member countries during his upcoming visit to Manila, Philippines, to participate in the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit.
The announcement was made by Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Rudrendra Tandon, while releasing the third edition of the ASEAN-India Development and Cooperation Report (AIDCR) 2026 in New Delhi. Titled “Navigating Global Uncertainties and Strengthening Partnerships”, the report outlines policy recommendations to expand cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
According to the MEA, Prime Minister Modi will visit Manila from November 16 to 17, 2026, at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He will participate in the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit, both being hosted by the Philippines in its capacity as ASEAN Chair for 2026.
Addressing the report’s release event, Tandon highlighted that India’s engagement with ASEAN is an important component of its Act East Policy. He noted that India maintains active bilateral relations with all 11 ASEAN member countries while also considering the regional grouping an important platform for advancing its economic and strategic interests.
Maritime cooperation is expected to remain a significant area of discussion during the Prime Minister’s visit. Tandon emphasised that India has considerable expertise to offer in maritime safety, security and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
He observed that stronger collaboration in these areas could support ASEAN’s efforts under its Political and Security pillar while improving regional preparedness and maritime capabilities.
The MEA Secretary also highlighted the importance of strengthening economic and strategic partnerships amid changing global circumstances. He said closer cooperation between India and ASEAN would help both sides improve their resilience and respond more effectively to emerging international challenges.
Speaking at the event, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) Director General Sachin Kumar Sharma stressed the need to translate the economic and strategic complementarities between India and ASEAN into tangible outcomes.
He pointed out that despite considerable growth in bilateral trade, regional production networks have not expanded at a similar pace, indicating further opportunities for economic integration and industrial cooperation.
The upcoming summit is expected to provide an important platform for reviewing the progress of the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identifying fresh areas of collaboration.
India’s engagement with ASEAN remains central to its broader Indo-Pacific vision, with cooperation in trade, maritime security, connectivity and regional development forming important elements of the partnership.
The Manila visit is expected to provide further momentum to these efforts and strengthen India’s engagement with Southeast Asian countries in an evolving global environment.
