NEW DELHI: India and the ASEAN grouping on Sunday renewed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in maritime security and trade, with both sides describing the partnership as vital for regional stability and sustainable growth in the Indo-Pacific.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chairing the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit in Kuala Lumpur, called the dialogue partnership “a force for stability and mutual prosperity.” He highlighted “some real progress” in reviewing the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and expressed hope that the process would be concluded by year-end.
Addressing the summit virtually, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN “is emerging as a powerful foundation for global stability and growth amid uncertainties.” Reaffirming India’s strong support for ASEAN unity, centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, he said the early review of AITIGA would “unleash the full economic potential of our relationship.”
Maritime cooperation was an important theme at this year’s summit. Modi announced 2026 as the ‘ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation. “India will continue its role as a first responder in times of crisis and further strengthen cooperation in disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR),” Prime Minister said.
Modi proposed convening the Second ASEAN–India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the Second ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise to build a “secure and open maritime environment.” India will host the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal, Gujarat, and a conference on Maritime Security Cooperation next year.
In line with the Malaysian chair’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” Modi announced new initiatives under the ASEAN–India Plan of Action (2026–2030), including training 400 renewable energy professionals to support the ASEAN Power Grid, and extending Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Timor Leste, ASEAN’s newest member.
He further proposed establishing a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University and expanding cooperation in education, critical minerals, semiconductors, green energy, and emerging technologies.
A statement from the External Affairs Ministry said ASEAN leaders “appreciated India’s long-standing support and continued commitment to deepen engagement with the region through its Act East Policy.” Modi thanked the Malaysian Prime Minister for hosting the summit virtually and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his effective coordination.
With both sides link maritime security with trade connectivity and economic resilience, the India–ASEAN partnership is seen as a central pillar of an inclusive, rules-based Indo-Pacific order.
