Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manila, Philippines, from November 16 to 18 to participate in the 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and the 21st East Asia Summit. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister’s schedule includes a dinner hosted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for visiting leaders, followed by the summits on November 17.
The visit comes as New Delhi seeks to deepen economic and strategic engagement with the 11-member regional grouping. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Rudrendra Tandon described India's engagement with the ASEAN platform as a vital component of the country’s Act East Policy. The summits are expected to focus on maritime security, regional cooperation, and strengthening investment ties.
India faces significant economic challenges in the region, highlighted by a trade deficit exceeding $45 billion, with total bilateral trade crossing $128 billion in the 2025-26 period. Addressing this imbalance is a priority, with officials noting that discussions to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) are ongoing. Tandon told reporters that India aims to complete this review process as soon as possible to improve market access for domestic businesses.
Analysts emphasize that narrowing the trade gap remains difficult due to China’s entrenched role in Southeast Asian manufacturing and supply chains. Many regional production networks rely heavily on Chinese components, making it challenging for India to quickly shift existing trade dynamics or substitute imports with its own products without enhancing its manufacturing competitiveness.
Key facts
- The visit to Manila is scheduled from November 16 to 18, 2026.
- The 23rd ASEAN-India Summit and 21st East Asia Summit will take place on November 17.
- Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN crossed $128 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
- India’s trade deficit with the ASEAN bloc currently exceeds $45 billion.
- The ASEAN member grouping includes Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Timor-Leste.
Why it matters
The outcome of the AITIGA review is critical for Indian businesses looking to expand their footprint in Southeast Asia. Government officials suggest that strengthening economic cooperation and diversifying supply chains are essential steps toward reducing the current trade dependency, though experts warn that these structural adjustments will require sustained long-term efforts.
Background
In anticipation of the summit, the third edition of the ASEAN-India Development and Cooperation Report, titled "Navigating Global Uncertainties and Strengthening Partnerships," was released in New Delhi to provide policy recommendations for regional cooperation in trade and maritime affairs.
Source: Livemint, Times of India
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