Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, calling India–ASEAN ties a cornerstone for stability and growth and declaring 2026 the “ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.” He congratulated Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for steering the summit, welcomed Timor-Leste to ASEAN, and offered condolences on the passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother. Emphasising shared geography, history, and values, he underlined ASEAN centrality in India’s Act East Policy and framed the partnership as part of a broader Global South solidarity.
Linking this year’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” to concrete priorities, he highlighted joint work on digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains, alongside deepening collaboration in HADR, maritime security, and the blue economy. He said cooperation would also expand across education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cyber security, while strengthening cultural linkages and people-to-people ties.
Calling the present era “India and ASEAN’s century,” the Prime Minister expressed confidence that ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047 could together shape a brighter future for humanity. He positioned the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as steadily advancing despite global uncertainties, asserting that the relationship is evolving into a powerful foundation for regional stability and sustainable development.
