PM Modi, Trump hold bilateral talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 31st ASEAN Summit in Manila, Philippines, on Monday.

"The relations between India and the United States are growing. Our relations go beyond. We are working for future interests of Asia and humanity," Prime Minister Modi said, while addressing the media after the talks.

"It's an honour to meet you again," Trump told PM Modi.

The prime minister arrived in the Philippines capital on Sunday for a three-day visit during which he will also attend the 12th East Asia meet on Tuesday.

This is the fourth meeting of the two leaders in this year.

Prime Minister Modi and Trump met briefly at a gala dinner on Sunday, and held discussions on counter-terrorism, trade and the security situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

They earlier met when PM Modi visited the US and next, at the G20 Economic Summit.

Reportedly, the two leaders didn't share a hug this time, unlike their earlier meetings.

Earlier in the day, President Duterte and his wife Honeylet Avancena welcomed the world leaders at the opening ceremony of 31st ASEAN Summit in Manila.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also arrived there and shook hands with President Duterte here.

Among the highlights of the opening ceremony was a music and dance excerpt from the musical Rama Hari, based on the characters of the Ramayana, an epic narrative that is a shared heritage among the ASEAN member states.

The performers were Arman Ferrer and Lara Maigue, vocal soloists, Ballet Philippines, choreographed by Alice Reyes, with the Philharmonic orchestra conducted by Herminegildo Ranera.

Prime Minister Modi later visited the International Rice Research Institute in Los Banos, Philippines, earlier in the day, and inaugurated the Resilient Rice Field Laboratory, named after him.

He will also meet the members of the Indian community at a reception to be hosted by the Indian envoy in Philippines.