Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially declared 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation” during the ASEAN-India Summit, emphasising India’s growing engagement with Southeast Asian nations. The declaration emphasises India’s strategic focus of improving maritime security, fostering the blue economy, and strengthening participation in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
PM Modi reaffirmed ASEAN’s relevance in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, saying the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is steadily progressing, boosting regional growth and stability. He emphasised that India’s engagement with ASEAN is based on shared interests, respect for international law, and a common vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Highlighting long-standing cultural and historical ties, PM Modi emphasised India and ASEAN as “fellow travellers of the Global South,” connected through geography and shared values. He also mentioned cooperation in education, tourism, science, health, renewable energy, and cyberspace.
The Prime Minister praised Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on hosting the summit, thanked Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for managing ASEAN-India relations, and welcomed Timor-Leste to the bloc. The 2026 declaration highlights India’s commitment to promoting regional development through stronger maritime collaboration.
