“We Stand Together in Every Crisis” – Modi’s Bold Maritime Call at ASEAN Summit

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 47th ASEAN Summit emphasizing India-ASEAN's unity in crises and deepening partnerships. He declared 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and highlighted the expanding collaboration across strategic, cultural, and economic fronts for a sustainable future.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a compelling virtual address to the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the robust and evolving partnership between India and the ASEAN nations. He underscored that India and ASEAN together represent nearly a quarter of the global population, sharing not only geography but also deep historical ties and common values as fellow travellers of the Global South.

Affirming ASEAN as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy, PM Modi expressed India’s firm support for ASEAN centrality and the bloc’s Indo-Pacific outlook. He reiterated India’s unwavering solidarity with ASEAN, stating, "We stand together in every crisis," reflecting on their close cooperation during disasters, humanitarian aid, maritime security, and the blue economy.

In a major announcement, Modi declared 2026 as the “Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation,” marking a crucial step to strengthen bilateral collaboration across the Indian Ocean region. The designation aims to reinforce joint efforts in maritime security, disaster response, and sustainable ocean resources management.

The Prime Minister also highlighted broadening cooperation in several key sectors, including education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. He emphasized India’s commitment to preserving shared cultural heritage and deepening people-to-people connections.

The summit’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” resonated with Modi’s remarks on digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains, illustrating the shared goals of both regions amidst global uncertainties. He welcomed East Timor as ASEAN’s newest member and extended condolences on the passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother, exemplifying the spirit of regional solidarity.

Concluding on an optimistic note, PM Modi declared, “The 21st century is our century. It is India and ASEAN’s century,” expressing confidence in the realization of ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047, which together promise a bright, stable future benefiting not only India and ASEAN but the world community at large.

Key Highlights:

PM Modi virtually addressed the 47th ASEAN Summit, affirming India-ASEAN ties as a global stability pillar.
Declared 2026 as the Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation to boost maritime security and the blue economy.
Emphasized cooperation in disaster relief, digital inclusion, food security, education, tourism, health, green energy, and cybersecurity.
Reaffirmed ASEAN as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy, supporting ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific.
Welcomed East Timor’s entry into ASEAN and offered condolences to Thailand on the passing of its Queen Mother.
Expressed confidence in a shared future under ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Sources: Ministry of External Affairs India, ANI, Hindustan Times, News18, Times of India, IANS.

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