Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday delivered a powerful virtual address at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to deepening its strategic, economic, and cultural partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Modi described ASEAN as a “vital pillar” of India’s Act East Policy, emphasizing shared heritage, geography, and aspirations that bind the two regions together.
Welcoming Timor-Leste as the newest member of the ASEAN bloc, bringing its total membership to eleven, PM Modi said the expansion reflects the group’s growing influence and inclusivity. He also extended condolences on the passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother, acknowledging the deep cultural and emotional ties India shares with Southeast Asia.
“India and ASEAN together represent almost one-fourth of the global population. We share geography, culture, and values,” said Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the importance of the partnership as a cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting the India–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, PM Modi said the relationship has evolved into a major force for global stability and sustainable development amid geopolitical uncertainties. He noted that cooperation between India and ASEAN has expanded across multiple fronts — from trade and digital connectivity to climate resilience and maritime security.
Echoing this year’s ASEAN Summit theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s dedication to joint initiatives on food security, disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and the blue economy. He also called for greater collaboration in digital transformation, green energy, and supply chain resilience to ensure long-term regional prosperity.
In a key announcement, Modi declared 2026 as the ‘Year of ASEAN–India Maritime Cooperation’, aimed at strengthening ties in education, tourism, science and technology, health, and cybersecurity. He emphasized the significance of cultural preservation and people-to-people connections as the foundation of mutual trust and cooperation.
“The 21st century is ours — it belongs to India and ASEAN,” PM Modi asserted, expressing confidence that both regions would drive global progress together through innovation, inclusivity, and shared vision.
Modi concluded by linking ASEAN’s “Community Vision 2045” with India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” goal, saying the two frameworks reflect complementary ambitions for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable Indo-Pacific. India’s journey from becoming an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1995 to forging a comprehensive strategic partnership today, he said, showcases New Delhi’s steadfast commitment to regional unity, growth, and global leadership.
