The prime minister said India has "stood firmly with its ASEAN friends" in every crisis and the two-way cooperation in the spheres of maritime security and the blue economy is growing rapidly
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday “virtually” participated in the India-Asean summit being held in Malaysia. In his address the PM said that the India-Asean partnership has seen steady progress even in this era of uncertainties. He added that this strong partnership is emerging as a robust foundation for global stability and development.
The Prime Minister and Asean leaders jointly reviewed progress in Asean-India relations and discussed initiatives for strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership. This was the Prime Minister's 12th participation in the India-Asean summit.
The PM emphasised that early review of the Asean-India FTA (AITIGA) can unleash the full economic potential of our relationship for the benefit of our peoples and further strengthen regional cooperation. He stated that terrorism is a serious challenge to global peace and security and stressed the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism.
In support of the Malaysian chair’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, PM announced several measures, like extending support for the implementation of the Asean-India plan of action to implement the Asean-India comprehensive strategic partnership (2026-2030); proposing to organise the second Asean-India defence ministers’ meeting and the second Asean-India maritime exercise for a secure maritime environment; training 400 professionals in renewable energy, to support the Asean power grid initiative; extending quick impact projects (QIPs) to Timor Leste; and the proposed establishment of a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University, to develop regional expertise.
He also mentioned supporting ongoing cooperation in education, energy, science and technology, fintech and cultural preservation, and emphasised the need for increasing cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductors, emerging technologies, rare earths and critical minerals.
The theme of this year’s Asean summit is “inclusivity and sustainability”. The PM said: “This theme is clearly reflected in our joint efforts, whether it is digital inclusion or ensuring food security and resilient supply chains amid current global challenges. India fully supports these priorities and is committed to advancing them together.”
The PM added that India has stood firmly with its Asean friends in every disaster. “Our cooperation in HADR, maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly. In view of this we are declaring 2026 as ‘Asean-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’. At the same time, we are steadily advancing our cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cyber security. We will continue to work together to preserve our shared cultural heritage and strengthen people-to-people ties,” Mr Modi said.
The PM underlined that the 21st century was the century of India and Asean. “I am confident that the Asean Community Vision 2045 and the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 will build a bright future for all of humanity. Alongside all of you, India is committed to working shoulder to shoulder in this direction,” he added.
While saying that India and Asean together represent nearly one-fourth of the world’s population, the PM reiterated that they only share geography but are also bound by deep historical ties and shared values.
“We are companions in the Global South. We are not only commercial partners but also cultural partners. Asean is a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy. India has always fully supported Asean’s centrality and Asean’s outlook in the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Modi said.
The Philippines is India's country coordinator for this summit. Timor-Leste has joined the grouping as the newest member of Asean.
Mr Modi also expressed grief over the demise of Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, who passed away on Friday. The PM said her lifelong dedication to public service will continue to inspire generations.
