Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday emphasized the strong and growing ties between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations asserting that the “21st century is our century, the century of India and ASEAN.”
Addressing the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually, Modi hailed the partnership as a defining force for regional stability and global progress, calling this century “the century of India and ASEAN.”
Opening his remarks with warm greetings, PM Modi said, “Your Excellency Prime Minister and my friend Anwar Ibrahim ji, Your Majesty, Excellencies, Namaskar. I’m delighted to be with my ASEAN family once again. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the successful ASEAN chairmanship. I thank President Marcos of the Philippines for his role as country coordinator for India. I also welcome Timor-Leste as the new member of ASEAN.”
Paying tribute to the late Queen Mother of Thailand, Modi expressed “deep condolences to the royal family and people of Thailand on behalf of all Indians.”
The prime minister highlighted the historic and cultural bonds binding India and ASEAN, stating, “India and ASEAN together represent almost a quarter of the world’s population. We do not just share geography; we are also connected by the thread of deep historical ties and shared values. We are fellow travelers of the Global South.”
Despite global uncertainties, Modi noted, “The India–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has witnessed sustained progress, emerging as a robust foundation for global stability and development.” He praised ASEAN as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and reaffirmed India’s full support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
Modi underscored India’s commitment to cooperation in key areas, saying, “We have stood firmly with our ASEAN friends in every disaster. Our collaboration in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly. In view of this, we are declaring 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.’”
Highlighting broader collaborative fronts, Modi spoke of strengthening ties in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. “We will continue to preserve our shared cultural heritage and deepen people-to-people connections,” he added.
Looking ahead, Modi expressed confidence that “India’s developed vision for 2047 and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 will create a bright future for humanity. The 21st century is our century, the century of India and ASEAN.”
The summit, hosted by Malaysia under the leadership of Prime Minister Dato Seri’ Anwar Ibrahim, involved a comprehensive review of India-ASEAN relations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27, where leaders will discuss peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
This virtual engagement reinforces India’s strategic outreach in Southeast Asia and its role as a key partner in fostering regional cooperation, economic growth, and security.