KUALA LUMPUR: India has declared 2026 as the Asean–India Year of Maritime Cooperation to strengthen collaboration in maritime security, disaster response, and the blue economy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the initiative during his address at the Asean–India Summit, underscoring India’s commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Southeast Asia.
He said cooperation between India and Asean was expanding rapidly across multiple areas, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity.
“We will continue to work together to nurture our shared cultural heritage and to strengthen our people-to-people ties,” he said.
Modi reaffirmed that Asean remained a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy, adding that New Delhi has always supported Asean centrality and the bloc’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
“Even in this period of uncertainty, there has been steady progress in the India–Asean Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“Our robust partnership is emerging as a cornerstone for global stability and development,” he said.
He added that India and Asean together represent about one-quarter of the global population, sharing not only geography but also deep historical ties and shared values.
“We are fellow travellers from the Global South. Our partnership encompasses not just trade but culture as well,” he said.
Modi highlighted that the theme of this year’s Asean Summit — inclusivity and sustainability — reflected the shared priorities of both sides, including ensuring food security and resilience in an increasingly complex global landscape.
“The 21st century is our century — the century of India and Asean.
“I am confident that the Asean Community Vision 2045 and India’s goal for a developed nation by 2047, Viksit Bharat 2047, will build a bright future for all mankind.
“India is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with Asean to achieve these goals.”
Modi is not attending the Asean Summit in person and is instead participating virtually as Deepavali celebrations are taking place in India during the gathering.
Asean chair Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had earlier said India remains a key partner for Malaysia in trade, investment, technology, education, and regional security, adding that Malaysia will continue to enhance both Malaysia–India and Asean–India cooperation towards a more peaceful and prosperous region.
The 47th Asean Summit, a high-profile gathering of Southeast Asian leaders, will be held in Kuala Lumpur from Oct 26 to 28.
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