New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the growing cooperation between India and ASEAN in areas such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy, while virtually delivering the opening remarks at the ASEAN-India Summit.
He announced 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’.
Strengthening Cooperation Across Sectors
PM Modi said, “India has stood firmly with its ASEAN friends in every crisis. Our cooperation in HADR, maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly. In light of this, we are declaring 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
Along with this, we are strongly promoting bilateral cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cyber security… 21st century is our century. It is India and ASEAN’s century.”
The Prime Minister called ASEAN the main pillar of India’s Act East Policy and reiterated New Delhi’s support for ASEAN centrality. He emphasized that the India-ASEAN partnership is emerging as a “powerful foundation for global stability and growth.”
Shared Historical Ties and Values
PM Modi highlighted that India and ASEAN together represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population, sharing deep historical ties and common values. “We are fellow travellers of the Global South. Our partnership is not just commercial but also cultural,” he said.
He added that India has consistently supported ASEAN’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific, and that the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has made steady progress amid global uncertainties.
Inclusivity and Sustainability in Focus
Commenting on the theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, PM Modi noted that it resonates with shared initiatives such as digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains.
He also congratulated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for successfully hosting the summit, thanked Philippine President Bongbong Marcos for being India’s country coordinator, and welcomed Timor-Leste as the newest ASEAN member.
PM Modi expressed condolences to the people and royal family of Thailand on the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit.