Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains a &ldquo;cornerstone&rdquo; of India&rsquo;s Act East Policy, underscoring that the partnership continues to serve as a crucial pillar for mglobal stability and development amid growing global uncertainties.&nbsp;
Addressing the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually on Sunday, held at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Modi asserted that the 21st century belonged to both India and ASEAN.
During his address, the Prime Minister announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the &ldquo;ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.&rdquo; 
The initiative, he said, symbolises India&rsquo;s commitment to strengthening engagement with Southeast Asian nations in areas such as maritime security, disaster relief, the blue economy, and connectivity.
&ldquo;India has stood firmly with its ASEAN friends in times of disaster. Our cooperation in HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief), maritime security, and the blue economy is expanding rapidly. In light of this, we are declaring 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,&rdquo; Modi said in his opening remarks.
Praising the theme of this year&rsquo;s ASEAN Summit &mdash; inclusivity and sustainability &mdash; Modi said it aligns with India&rsquo;s own development priorities of digital inclusion, resilient supply chains, and sustainable growth.
&ldquo;This theme is clearly reflected in our collective efforts &mdash; whether it is digital inclusion or ensuring food security amid global challenges,&rdquo; he added.
Congratulating Malaysia on a successful ASEAN chairmanship and welcoming Timor-Leste as the newest ASEAN member, Modi reiterated India&rsquo;s unwavering support for ASEAN centrality and its Indo-Pacific outlook.
Highlighting the deep historical and cultural bonds between India and Southeast Asia, Modi said, &ldquo;We are companions in the Global South &mdash; not only commercial partners but also cultural partners.&rdquo; 
He emphasised that the India-ASEAN partnership represents nearly one-fourth of the global population and is vital for shaping a stable and prosperous future.
Calling ASEAN a &ldquo;family,&rdquo; the Prime Minister said both sides are enhancing cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity.
&ldquo;The 21st century is our century &mdash; the century of India and ASEAN. The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 together will create a brighter future for humanity,&rdquo; he remarked.
Modi concluded by offering condolences to the Royal Family and people of Thailand on the passing of the Queen Mother.

PM Modi addresses virtual ASEAN summit 2025

PM Modi calls ASEAN key to India’s Act East Policy, announces 2026 as Maritime Cooperation

Modi Declares 2026 ASEAN-India Maritime Year

PM Modi calls ASEAN key to India’s Act East Policy, announces 2026 as Maritime Cooperation

October 27, 2025 | 15:02 IST