NEW DELHI, Nov 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippines, from November 16 to 18, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
The visit will focus on strengthening India’s ties with Southeast Asian countries. Modi will also attend the 21st East Asia Summit, to be chaired by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said the East Asia Summit has 19 member countries, including 11 ASEAN member countries and partner countries such as India, the United States, Russia, Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
The theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit is “Navigating Our Future, Together”. The 16th ASEAN Maritime Forum will be held on November 17 and the 14th Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum on November 18. Maritime trade and safe navigation are expected to be key issues.
A Quad summit may also be held during the meetings in Manila. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump may meet Modi, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The visit is expected to focus on strengthening trade, diplomatic and regional cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.
