Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually addressed the ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia, underscoring the strategic and cultural significance of the partnership. “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 during the session.
In his remarks, Modi also expressed condolences on the passing of Thailand’s queen mother and welcomed Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN, bringing the organisation’s total membership to 11.
My remarks during the ASEAN-India Summit, which is being held in Malaysia. https://t.co/87TT0RKY8x
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 26, 2025
“I have again got an opportunity to join my ASEAN family. I congratulate PM Anwar Ibrahim for a successful organisation of the ASEAN Summit… I welcome Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN. I express my condolences on the demise of Thailand’s queen mother. India and ASEAN together represent one-fourth of the global population. We not only share geography, we share deep historic relations and shared values,” he said.
“We are part of the global south. We not only share trade relations, but also cultural relations. ASEAN is the main pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India has always supported ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific. During these times of uncertainty, the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continuously increased. Our strong partnership is emerging as the basis for global stability and development,” PM Modi added.
“The 21st century is ours – it belongs to India and ASEAN,” he remarked and further said, “This year’s theme for the ASEAN Summit is ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’. This theme clearly reflects in our shared efforts- be it digital inclusion or ensuring food security and resilient supply chains amid the current challenges. India supports this and is committed to moving ahead in this direction. 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.”
India’s Commitment to Indo-Pacific, Strategic Partnerships
The summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, was hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who invited Modi to participate. The External Affairs Ministry stated that India and ASEAN leaders will review bilateral relations and explore further initiatives to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Strengthening ties with ASEAN remains a core objective of India’s Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to represent India at the 20th East Asia Summit on October 27 in Kuala Lumpur. The summit will allow leaders to deliberate on regional security, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, as well as discuss broader international developments.
Modi’s Engagement with ASEAN Over the Years
Since 2014, Prime Minister Modi has actively participated in all ASEAN-India Summits, except in 2022. During the 25th-year Commemorative Summit in New Delhi in January 2018, leaders of all 10 ASEAN countries attended India’s Republic Day Parade as guests of honour. Modi recently shared his interaction with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, stating on X, “Had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of upcoming Summits.” He added, “Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and to further deepening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
ASEAN-India Relations
ASEAN was established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, with Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand as founding members. Subsequent members include Brunei, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Viet Nam, and Timor-Leste. The ASEAN Charter, which entered into force in 2008, provides legal recognition and an institutional framework, with the ASEAN Secretariat based in Jakarta.
India’s engagement with ASEAN began in 1992 at the Secretary-level as a “Sectoral Dialogue Partner,” advancing to Dialogue Partner in 1995 and Summit-level interaction in 2002. The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2012 and later to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, with a focus on maritime cooperation and regional stability
