23rd ASEAN–India Summit 2026: PM Modi to Visit Philippines
Key points
In the News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manila, Philippines, on 16–17 November 2026 to participate in the 23rd ASEAN–India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit (EAS).
The summits are scheduled for 17 November 2026, with the Philippines serving as ASEAN Chair for 2026.
The visit aims to strengthen India's strategic, economic and maritime cooperation with Southeast Asian countries under its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Background
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional organisation established on 8 August 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration.
India established formal relations with ASEAN in 1992, and the partnership was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
ASEAN plays an important role in India's foreign policy, particularly in promoting regional connectivity, trade, maritime security and economic development.
Key Highlights
1. Summit Details
Summit: 23rd ASEAN–India Summit
Date: 17 November 2026
Venue: Manila, Philippines
Indian Representative: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
ASEAN Chair 2026: Philippines
Other Meeting: 21st East Asia Summit
2. ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The summit will review progress under the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including implementation of the ASEAN–India Plan of Action 2026–2030.
3. ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation
India and ASEAN are observing 2026 as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, highlighting their commitment to maritime security, connectivity and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
4. Trade and Economic Cooperation
India and ASEAN are important trading partners. Discussions are expected to cover economic cooperation, supply-chain resilience, connectivity and the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
5. East Asia Summit
The 21st East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss regional security, geopolitical developments and other international issues.
Important Facts for Competitive Exams
1. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
ASEAN was established on 8 August 1967 through the Bangkok Declaration. Its headquarters are located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
2. ASEAN Membership
ASEAN has 11 member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Timor-Leste.
Timor-Leste became ASEAN's 11th member in October 2025.
3. India's Act East Policy
India launched its Act East Policy in 2014 to strengthen economic, diplomatic, cultural and strategic relations with Southeast Asian countries. It developed from the Look East Policy introduced in 1991.
4. ASEAN–India Relations
India became an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner in 1992. The first ASEAN–India Summit was held in 2002, and relations were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
5. East Asia Summit (EAS)
Established in 2005, the East Asia Summit is an ASEAN-led forum for discussing strategic, political and economic issues. Its participants include ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including India.
Quick Revision
Summit: 23rd ASEAN–India Summit
Host Country: Philippines
Host City: Manila
Summit Date: 17 November 2026
Indian Representative: PM Narendra Modi
ASEAN Chair 2026: Philippines
Other Summit: 21st East Asia Summit
ASEAN Established: 8 August 1967
ASEAN Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
ASEAN Members: 11
India–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: 2022
ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation: 2026
