NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually addressed the 47th Asean Summit, terming it the “main pillar” of India’s Act East Policy. He categorically said that India and Asean were not just “trade but cultural partners”. The statement came at a time when the world has been dealing with Donald Trump’s tariff impositions. “Almost one-fourth of the world’s population is represented by us. We don’t just share geography but also culture and values. We are partners in the Global South. We are not just trade partners but also cultural partners. Asean is a main pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India supports Asean centrality and its outlook,” he said.
He also offered his condolences on the demise of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand.
Top quotes:
- Almost one-fourth of the world’s population is represented by us. We don’t just share geography but also culture and values. We are partners in the Global South.
- We are not just trade partners but also cultural partners. Asean is a main pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India supports Asean centrality and its outlook.
- Inclusivity and sustainability are the themes of this year’s Asean summit, and this theme reflects our shared efforts – be it digital inclusion, food security, or resilient supply chains in these turbulent global times. We are committed to working together.
- India has always stood with Asean friends in any disaster. Be it HADR, the blue economy, or ocean security, our cooperation is increasing rapidly. Seeing this, we are declaring 2026 as the Asean-India Maritime Cooperation Year. To preserve our cultural heritage and enhance people-to-people ties, we will continue to work together.
- PM and my friend Anwar Ibrahim, you have given me this opportunity to join the Asean family, and I am happy for it. I congratulate you on the successful summit