Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discuss strengthening India-ASEAN engagement, with emphasis on trade, connectivity, maritime cooperation, digital technology and regional security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. discuss ways to strengthen India-ASEAN engagement during their meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. The talks highlight the growing importance of India-Philippines relations and broader cooperation between India and Southeast Asia.
The leaders review the progress of bilateral relations and exchange views on areas of mutual interest. Their discussions focus on strengthening economic and strategic cooperation while exploring opportunities to further connect India with the ASEAN region.
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Trade and investment remain important elements of the relationship. India and the Philippines are seeking to expand commercial engagement and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries. Greater economic integration with ASEAN also remains an important component of India's Act East policy.
Connectivity emerges as another key area of cooperation. Improved transport, logistics and digital links can facilitate the movement of goods, services and people between India and Southeast Asian markets. Stronger connectivity is also expected to support resilient regional supply chains and promote greater economic integration.
Maritime cooperation holds particular significance in India-Philippines relations. Both countries share an interest in maintaining a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Greater collaboration in maritime security, capacity building and information sharing can contribute to stability across the region.
Digital technology and emerging sectors also offer opportunities for closer cooperation. India’s expanding digital ecosystem and the Philippines’ growing technology and services industries provide scope for partnerships in digital transformation, innovation and related areas.
The meeting takes place as the Philippines serves as ASEAN Chair in 2026, giving the discussions additional regional significance. India has consistently emphasised ASEAN centrality as an important pillar of its Act East policy, while the Philippines is seeking to advance stronger engagement between ASEAN and external partners.
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The two countries have also been steadily strengthening their bilateral strategic relationship. Their engagement extends beyond economic cooperation to defence, security and regional issues, with both sides sharing an interest in supporting stability and international law in the Indo-Pacific.
The latest meeting therefore provides fresh momentum to India-Philippines relations and India’s wider engagement with ASEAN. By focusing on trade, connectivity, maritime cooperation, technology and regional stability, the two leaders seek to build a stronger foundation for sustained cooperation between India and Southeast Asia.