Leaders from different member states of Asso-ciation of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have gathered in Manila, Philippines for attending the 50th anniversary of ASEAN. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday met American President Donald Trump and a host of leaders soon after arriving in Philippines's capital, Manila.
American Presi-dent Donald Trump shook hands with Indian PM Narendra Modi during a brief meeting on the sidelines of a dinner to mark the 50th Anniversary of Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN). The two leaders are scheduled to formally meet today. PM Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte, Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull among others.
Narendra Modi was also seen talking to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak at the reception for the leaders, according to NDTV. The leaders were uniformly dressed in Barong Tagalong, an embroidered shirt that is the national dress of the Philippines. The menu for the gala dinner included an array of Filipino dishes including Filipino steak sushi, according to Press Trust of India.
The India-ASEAN Summit brings together, India, the United States, Japan and Australia to revive an alliance called the Quadrilateral. The grouping is expected to boost free trade and defence cooperation across parts of South China Sea and Indian Ocean, NDTV added.This is the first Prime Ministerial visit to the Philippines from India in 36 years since the visit by former Indian premier Indira Gandhi in 1981.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India-ASEAN dialogue partnership and the golden jubilee of the formation of the ASEAN.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also likely to participate in the 50th anniversary celebrations of ASEAN, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Leaders' Meeting and ASEAN Business and Investment Summit.
-AA International Desk