The summit marks a crucial milestone in deepening India’s ties with Southeast Asia, aligning with the government’s Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision.
File Photo: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit on October 26, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Seri’ Anwar Ibrahim, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday.
The summit marks a crucial milestone in deepening India’s ties with Southeast Asia, aligning with the government’s Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision.
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In a statement released on Thursday, the MEA said, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the ASEAN leaders will jointly review the progress in ASEAN-India relations and discuss initiatives for strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” Strengthening ASEAN ties remains a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy, aimed at fostering regional peace, economic resilience, and inclusive growth.
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Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi shared on his official X handle the warmth of his conversation with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. “Had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of upcoming Summits,” Modi wrote.
“I look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and to further deepening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he added.
The discussion between the two leaders underscored the strong bilateral relationship between India and Malaysia, exploring avenues to enhance cooperation across trade, investment, technology, education, and security.
Following the ASEAN-India Summit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27. The East Asia Summit offers a vital platform for leaders to deliberate on challenges facing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, exchanging perspectives on critical regional and global developments.
This year’s ASEAN Summit, scheduled from October 26 to 28, will also witness the formal handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship from Malaysia to the Philippines. Malaysia’s tenure as Chair has been marked by efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and shared prosperity.
The steadily growing ASEAN-India partnership is pivotal for India’s strategic outreach in Southeast Asia. It encompasses expanding engagement in multiple sectors and reinforcing a shared commitment to economic growth and security in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
PM Modi’s virtual participation in the summit reaffirms India’s resolve to deepen its partnership with ASEAN, positioning the country as a key player in fostering regional harmony and collective progress in the Indo-Pacific.
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