21st Century Belongs to India-ASEAN: Modi Unveils Maritime, Tech Cooperation Plans
Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025—the 12th such engagement under his leadership. Alongside ASEAN leaders, he reviewed progress in bilateral relations and charted initiatives to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aligning with India’s Act East Policy.
PM Modi congratulated Timor-Leste on joining ASEAN as its 11th member, reaffirming India’s support for its development. He lauded ASEAN’s adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, emphasizing India’s backing for ASEAN centrality and the Indo-Pacific outlook. On economic and security fronts, he urged an early review of the ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA) to unlock economic potential and boost regional cooperation. Counter-terrorism was highlighted as a shared challenge, stressing unity against global threats.
Aligning with Malaysia’s chair theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” PM Modi announced several initiatives. India will extend support for implementing the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026-2030) and adopted a joint statement on Sustainable Tourism to boost cooperation amid the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism. He declared 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, focusing on blue economy, maritime security, and joint exercises. Capacity-building efforts include training 400 ASEAN professionals in renewable energy and Quick Impact Projects for Timor-Leste. PM Modi also proposed a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University to foster regional expertise and announced cultural events like the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival in Lothal, Gujarat. Collaboration on semiconductors, fintech, critical minerals, and disaster response was emphasized.
PM Modi thanked Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim for hosting virtually and Philippines’ President Marcos Jr. for effective coordination. ASEAN leaders acknowledged India’s longstanding support and commitment to regional integration via the Act East Policy. “India and ASEAN represent a quarter of humanity—united by geography, history, and shared values,” PM Modi said, calling the 21st century the “century of India and ASEAN.”
The summit reinforced mutual priorities: sustainable growth, maritime security, and cultural ties, setting a roadmap for deeper collaboration in a dynamic Indo-Pacific.
