India-ASEAN Deepen Ties Under Strategic Partnership; PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, calling it a cornerstone for global stability, sustainable development, and regional cooperation. Speaking virtually at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, hosted by Malaysia, Modi highlighted the growing synergy between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) across trade, technology, culture, and maritime domains.

“The 21st century is our century—the century of India and ASEAN,” Modi declared, noting that the partnership is built not just on shared geography but on centuries-old cultural and civilisational links. He stressed that India has always strongly supported ASEAN centrality and its outlook on the Indo-Pacific, underscoring that cooperation rooted in inclusivity and sustainability is key to peace and prosperity in the region.

India-ASEAN: Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Shared Growth

The summit’s theme, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, was echoed throughout Modi’s address. He stated that the joint efforts of both sides—ranging from digital inclusion and food security to resilient supply chains—reflect a mutual commitment to uplift people’s lives amid global uncertainty.

“India fully supports these priorities and is committed to advancing them together,” he said, reaffirming that India and ASEAN are companions in the Global South, not just as commercial partners but as cultural collaborators. “ASEAN is a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy,” Modi added.

A Growing Partnership Amid Global Challenges

Modi highlighted that even amid economic and geopolitical turbulence, the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to make steady progress. “Our strong partnership is emerging as a powerful foundation for global stability and growth,” he emphasized.

He also extended congratulations to Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for successfully hosting the summit and commended the Philippines for its role as the country coordinator for India. Modi welcomed East Timor as the 11th member of ASEAN, symbolizing the grouping’s expanding influence and unity.

India-ASEAN: Regional Cooperation and Maritime Security

Referring to the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) finalized in 2019, Modi said the document rightly places ASEAN at the heart of regional decision-making. The AOIP, he noted, promotes cooperation in combating poverty, fostering sustainable growth, and avoiding mistrust amid shifting global power dynamics.

“Our cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly,” Modi stated. “In view of this, we are declaring 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.”

This announcement underscores India’s increasing focus on blue economy initiatives, sustainable ocean development, and maritime safety — all crucial for maintaining regional peace and economic resilience.

Expanding Cooperation Across Sectors

The Prime Minister detailed several key sectors where cooperation has seen tangible progress, including education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. These, he said, are the driving forces behind a stronger, future-ready Indo-Pacific partnership.

“We will continue to work together to preserve our shared cultural heritage and strengthen people-to-people ties,” Modi assured, pointing to India’s longstanding support during times of natural disasters and crises in the region.

Geopolitical Context: India, ASEAN, and the U.S.

While Modi addressed the summit virtually, U.S. President Donald Trump attended in person, announcing a peace deal he “proudly brokered between Cambodia and Thailand.” Meanwhile, India and the U.S. continue negotiations on a trade agreement, though differences remain on broader issues such as India’s purchase of oil from Russia.

Despite global tensions, Modi’s message focused squarely on collaboration, inclusivity, and shared growth within the ASEAN framework, reaffirming that India’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific is guided by mutual respect and regional stability.

Historical Ties and Future Vision

India’s relationship with ASEAN dates back over three decades. Starting as a sectoral dialogue partnership in 1992, it evolved into a full dialogue partnership in 1995, achieved summit-level status in 2002, and was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2012.

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