The prime minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi, is likely to attend the Manila event, as India aims to further bolster its diplomatic, economic and strategic cooperation with Southeast Asia.
The chance to chair the ASEAN will be a significant one for New Delhi to promote its Act East Policy in 2026. The planned trip underscores India’s increasing focus on regional connectivity, security, and trade cooperation in the face of evolving geopolitical scenarios.
Why Modi’s Manila Visit Matters for India and ASEAN
The proposed visit to Manila by Modi is considered as the opportunity to boost India’s engagement with the ASEAN. In 2026, the Philippines will be the focus of ASEAN diplomatic discussions as the current Chair of ASEAN.
As the Chair of ASEAN in 2026, the Philippines stands at the centre of the diplomatic discourse in ASEAN. India’s involvement would help to strengthen the cooperation on regional security, economic integration and connectivity, and assist in a more active Indian presence in Southeast Asian affairs.
What Is on the Agenda at the ASEAN and East Asia Summits?
Modi will be attending the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit on November 17. Regional security and economic cooperation, ASEAN-India Plan of Action 2026-2030 will be discussed.
The visit, which was scheduled for Nov. 16-17, is also to be accompanied by engagements with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. organised by the Prime Minister’s Office in India.
How Will India Strengthen Trade and Maritime Cooperation?
India’s trade with ASEAN is around $122 billion, reflecting ASEAN’s significance in India’s overall trade. New Delhi will seek to further enhance cooperation in digital infrastructure, technology and supply chains. Maritime security, coordinated patrols to fight illegal fishermen are also expected to be discussed in 2026, when it’s scheduled to be the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
Can India Expand Its Strategic Influence in Southeast Asia?
The Manila meetings are an opportunity for India to further strengthen regional cooperation and enhance ASEAN’s role as a key player in Indo-Pacific diplomacy. Issues can include tensions in the South China Sea, maritime law, regional stability.
The greater problem for New Delhi will be the process of turning diplomatic interactions into tangible economic and security cooperation with the Southeast Asian governments.
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