PM Modi addresses the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually on 26 October, hosted by Malaysia.

• Main Message:
  • PM Modi said the 21st century is the century of India and ASEAN.
  • Highlighted that together, India and ASEAN represent nearly one-fourth of the world’s population.
  • Emphasised deep historical ties, shared values, and geographical proximity between the two regions.
• Areas of Cooperation:
  • Strengthening collaboration in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
  • Expanding cooperation in maritime security and the blue economy.
  • Declared 2026 as the “ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.”
• India’s Diplomatic Engagements in 2025:
  • ASEAN relations have received high-level focus this year.
  • Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Guest of Honour at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations (January 2025).
  • Singapore PM Lawrence Wong visited India in September 2025.
  • Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited India in August 2025.
• Significance:
  • Reinforces India’s Act East Policy and commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
  • Strengthens strategic, economic, and maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN nations.

Source: PIB