Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India-ASEAN ties’ continued growth while delivering his virtual address at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur. Referring to ASEAN as a “cultural partner” of India, Modi said India had plans to enhance maritime security cooperation in 2026 and that the partnership was important for promoting regional stability and global development.
“Even in the present age of uncertainties, the India-ASEAN strategic partnership keeps moving ahead wonderfully,” Modi said, underlining the common history, values, and people-to-people contacts between India and ASEAN countries.
ASEAN-India: Strategic and Cultural Partners
The summit hosted Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s newest member, representing a milestone in regional integration. Modi noted that India and ASEAN together represent nearly one-fourth of the world’s population, bolstering global emphasis on their cooperation.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who co-chaired the summit, lauded the long-standing relationship and trust between India and ASEAN. He said the cooperation goes beyond diplomacy, including education, trade, cultural exchanges, and common economic interests, India-ASEAN relations 2025.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreements
One of the key agendas of the summit was the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and the ASEAN-India Plan of Action 2026–2030, aimed at increasing cooperation in trade, investment, education, food security, and technology.
Furthermore, Modi emphasized that AITIGA had the potential to ‘unlock the full economic potential’ of India-ASEAN relations, complementing regional economies as well as trade connections.
Humanitarian and Maritime Cooperation
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN as a friend in the Global South, highlighting efforts in digital connectivity, food security, and supply chain resilience. India has been proactively engaging in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the region, demonstrating its status as a dependable friend.
To reaffirm maritime cooperation, Modi announced 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation”, emphasizing regional security and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, he further emphasized the common commitment to counter-terrorism and ensuring peace and stability.
Education, Technology, and Cultural Ties
Modi discussed increasing cooperation in the fields of education, tourism, science and technology, healthcare, green energy, and cybersecurity, focusing on people-to-people relations and a common cultural heritage. He also offered condolences to the Thai Royal Family for the Queen Mother’s passing, highlighting the human aspect of India-ASEAN relations. https://eci.gov.in
High-Level Engagements and Diplomatic Focus
The summit commenced with the arrival of ASEAN leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump. Prior to the event, Modi also had a virtual meeting with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim on October 23. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is heading India’s delegation and will also be present at the East Asia Summit on October 27.
India’s engagement with ASEAN countries has been a 2025 diplomatic focus, with visits from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
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