Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the strengthening partnership between India and ASEAN nations in the realm of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) during a virtual address at the ASEAN-India Summit. He declared 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,” highlighting the commitment to enhance collaborative efforts across various sectors, including education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. Modi underscored the importance of preserving shared cultural heritage and fostering people-to-people connections.
Modi expressed optimism about the future, stating that the 21st century belongs to India and ASEAN. He asserted that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative would pave the way for a brighter future for humanity. He noted the steady progress of the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership amid global uncertainties, emphasizing that both regions are not only commercial allies but also cultural partners.
Recognizing the significance of ASEAN in India’s Act East Policy, Modi reiterated India’s unwavering support for ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific. He highlighted that together, India and ASEAN represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population, united by deep historical ties and values.
In his address, Modi congratulated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his leadership during ASEAN’s chairmanship and expressed gratitude to President Marcos of the Philippines for his role as India’s country coordinator. He also welcomed East Timor as the newest member of ASEAN, marking a significant expansion for the bloc since the 1990s, which was officially announced during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025.
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