Indian PM to go to Philippines to attend ASEAN, East Asia summits

NEW DELHI - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-day visit to the Philippines Sunday to attend the India-ASEAN and East Asia summits next week.

"This visit will be Prime Minister Modi's first official visit to the Philippines and his fourth time participation in the annual ASEAN and East Asia summits," Indian External Affairs Ministry Secretary (East) Preeti Saran told the media Thursday evening.

During his stay in capital Manila, the Indian prime minister will hold bilateral talks with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, who is also the current chair of the ASEAN. Modi will also meet some of the other world leaders on the sidelines of the summits.

Modi's schedule in Manila also includes a meeting with members of the Indian community at a reception to be hosted by the Indian ambassador to the Philippines. He will also undertake a tour of the International Rice Research Institute in Manila.