India and ASEAN: A Century of Partnership

Strategic Insights -

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the 21st century is the century of India and the ASEAN nations, highlighting India's vision for a shared, inclusive, and sustainable future in partnership with Southeast Asia. He emphasized that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a major pillar of India's Act East Policy. Modi's address to the 47th ASEAN Summit 2025 underscored India's growing strategic, economic, and cultural ties with the 10-nation bloc.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the 21st century is the century of India and ASEAN nations, with a shared vision for a sustainable future.
  • India's Act East Policy, which includes ASEAN, aims to increase cooperation and economic growth in the region.
  • The Prime Minister outlined India's expanding cooperation with ASEAN in areas such as disaster response, maritime security, and the blue economy.
  • 2026 will be observed as the 'Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation', marking a new phase in bilateral collaboration across the Indian Ocean.
  • India has maintained formal engagement with ASEAN since 1992, with the current status of "Dialogue Partner" since 1995.
  • Prime Minister Modi has participated in all ASEAN-India Summits since 2014, except in 2022.
  • The 25th year Commemorative Summit in New Delhi in January 2018 saw leaders from all 10 ASEAN countries as India's guests of honour for the 69th Republic Day Parade.

Statistics:

  • 47th ASEAN Summit 2025 was addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • 2026 will be observed as the 'Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation'.
  • India has maintained formal engagement with ASEAN since 1992.
  • 1995 marked a significant step-up in India's engagement status with ASEAN to "Dialogue Partner".
  • Modi has participated in 9 ASEAN-India Summits since 2014.
  • The Philippines will be the Chair of ASEAN in 2026.

Sources:

  • "India's PM Narendra Modi shares his views on India-ASEAN ties at 47th ASEAN Summit 2025." (Hindustan Times)
  • "Details of PM Modi's conversation with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim revealed." (Hindustan Times)