Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The Prime Minister joined ASEAN leaders in reviewing progress in ASEAN-India relations and discussing new initiatives to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This marked his 12th participation in the India-ASEAN Summit.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th member of ASEAN and welcomed its delegation to the first ASEAN-India Summit as a full member. He reaffirmed India’s continued support for Timor-Leste’s human development and extended greetings to all member nations.
Reiterating India’s support for ASEAN unity, centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, the Prime Minister lauded the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. He also called for the early review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA), noting that it would help unlock the full economic potential of the partnership and benefit the people of the region.
Highlighting global challenges, Prime Minister Modi described terrorism as a serious threat to peace and security and urged collective unity in combating it.
In line with the Malaysian Chair’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” the Prime Minister announced a series of initiatives to deepen cooperation. These include the implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030), adoption of the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Tourism, and designation of 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.” He also proposed organising the Second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the Second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise to promote a secure and open maritime environment.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment as a First Responder in regional crises and announced expanded cooperation in disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance. He further announced training for 400 professionals in renewable energy to support the ASEAN Power Grid initiative and the extension of Quick Impact Projects to Timor-Leste.
The Prime Minister also proposed establishing a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University to enhance regional expertise. He expressed India’s support for ongoing collaboration in education, science and technology, energy, fintech, and cultural preservation, while stressing the need for greater cooperation in emerging technologies, semiconductors, rare earths, and critical minerals.
As part of cultural and maritime engagement, PM Modi announced that the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival will be held at Lothal, Gujarat, along with a conference on Maritime Security Cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for hosting the Summit virtually and acknowledged the Philippines’ effective coordination role under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ASEAN leaders appreciated India’s long-standing partnership and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen engagement under the Act East Policy.
ASEAN, established in 1967 in Bangkok, currently includes Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Timor-Leste. Malaysia holds the ASEAN Chair for 2025, with the Philippines set to take over in 2026.
