‘We Stand With ASEAN In Every Crisis’: PM Modi’s Message At Virtual Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually addressed the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, reaffirming India’s unwavering support for the bloc and describing it as a major pillar of the country’s Act East Policy. While congratulating Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for chairing the summit, Modi emphasized the deep historical and cultural ties that bind India and the Southeast Asian nations.”India and ASEAN together represent almost a quarter of the world’s population.
We do not just share geography; we are also connected by the thread of deep historical ties and shared values. We are fellow travelers of the Global South,” PM Modi stated. He highlighted the steady progress of the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, calling it a “robust foundation for global stability and development,” even amidst global uncertainties.Pledging India’s continued solidarity, the Prime Minister declared that India has stood firmly with its ASEAN allies in every crisis and will continue to do so.
He announced that 2026 will be designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, signalling deepening collaboration in maritime security, the blue economy, and humanitarian assistance. He also noted strengthening partnerships in education, health, green energy, and cybersecurity.In his address, Modi also missed a potential in-person meeting with US President Donald Trump, who is attending the summit in Malaysia.
The Prime Minister’s decision to attend virtually comes at a time of strained trade relations between New Delhi and Washington over punitive tariffs. Looking ahead, Modi expressed confidence in a shared bright future, aligning the goals of ‘ASEAN Community Vision 2045’ with India’s ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision. “The 21st century is our century. It is India and ASEAN’s century,” he concluded.
