Current Affairs - Places - Discussion

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, hosted the 14th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting and the 23rd ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultation on September 24, 2026. The Indian delegation was led by Nitin Kumar Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce. Discussions focused on strengthening economic cooperation and reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to address trade asymmetries and improve business facilitation. India’s bilateral trade with ASEAN reached USD 128.38 billion in 2025–26, accounting for 10.55% of India’s global trade. The meetings also covered regional energy infrastructure, industrial clusters, and opportunities for trade and services.