Prime Minister Narendra Modi  virtually attended the 22nd ASEAN – India Summit. The summit reviewed the progress in ASEAN-India relations and discussed initiatives for strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Addressing the summit, PM Modi extended greetings to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for organising the ASEAN Summit successfully. He also congratulated Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN.

PM Modi Reaffirms India’s Commitment to ASEAN Centrality

Expressing condolences on the demise of Thailand’s Queen Mother, PM Modi emphasised the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and geographical connections between India and ASEAN. He noted that India and ASEAN together represent one-fourth of the global population.

“I have again got an opportunity to join my ASEAN family. I congratulate PM Anwar Ibrahim for a successful organisation of the ASEAN Summit… I welcome Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN. I express my condolences on the demise of Thailand’s queen mother. India and ASEAN together represent one-fourth of the global population. We not only share geography, we share deep historic relations and shared values. We are part of the global south. We not only share trade relations, but also cultural relations.” PM Modi said.

Highlighting ASEAN as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy, he reiterated India’s consistent support for ASEAN centrality and its outlook on the Indo-Pacific. “ASEAN is the main pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India has always supported ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific. During these times of uncertainty, the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continuously increased. Our strong partnership is emerging as the basis for global stability and development,” he added.

21st Century Is Our Century, Says PM Modi

Addressing further, PM Modi said that the 21st century is the century of India and ASEAN, highlighting the shared vision of ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047 to build a bright future for all of humanity.

“Seeing this, we declare 2026 as the ‘Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation’. With this, we are strongly promoting bilateral cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cyber security… 21st century is our century. It is India and ASEAN’s century. I am confident that the aim of ‘ASEAN Community Vision 2045’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ will develop a bright future for the entire humanity,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi also stressed on the theme of ASEAN Summit this year, noting that the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’ reflects cooperation in key areas. He reiterated India’s support for ensuring food security, resilient supply chains amid ongoing challenges and at times of disaster.

“This year’s theme for the ASEAN Summit is ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. This theme clearly reflects in our shared efforts- be it digital inclusion or ensuring food security and resilient supply chains amid the current challenges. India supports this and is committed to moving ahead in this direction. India has always stood strong with its ASEAN partners in every disaster. Our collaboration in HADR, sea security, and blue economy,” PM Modi said.