Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized the growing partnership between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, declaring that the "21st century is our century, the century of India and ASEAN."

In a virtual address to the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, Modi highlighted India’s historic and cultural bonds with Southeast Asian Nations, noting that they share deep historical ties and values as fellow travelers of the Global South.

“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,” he emphasized.

The Prime Minister expressed his delight in being part of the ASEAN family once again and congratulated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on his successful ASEAN chairmanship.

He also welcomed Timor-Leste as the new member of ASEAN and paid tribute to the late Queen Mother of Thailand, extending deep condolences to the royal family and people of Thailand. Despite global uncertainties, Modi noted, “The India–ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has witnessed sustained progress, emerging as a robust foundation for global stability and development.” He praised ASEAN as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and reaffirmed India’s full support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Modi underscored India’s commitment in key areas of cooperation, saying, “We have stood firmly with our ASEAN friends in every disaster. Our collaboration in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly. In view of this, we are declaring 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.’”

Highlighting broader collaborative fronts, Modi spoke of strengthening ties in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. “We will continue to preserve our shared cultural heritage and deepen people-to-people connections,” he added.

Looking ahead, Modi expressed confidence that “India’s developed vision for 2047 and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 will create a bright future for humanity. The 21st century is our century, the century of India and ASEAN.” The summit, hosted by Malaysia under the leadership of Prime Minister Dato Seri’ Anwar Ibrahim, involved a comprehensive review of India-ASEAN relations.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27, where leaders will discuss peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.