A New Era of ASEAN-India Partnership
In a landmark announcement during the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit held virtually in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.” The declaration marks a major step toward deepening India’s engagement with Southeast Asian nations under its Act East Policy, focusing on maritime security, blue economy, education, tourism, and green energy.
The summit, hosted by Malaysia, centered around the theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflecting ASEAN’s ongoing vision of collective prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. Modi’s address reaffirmed India’s long-standing commitment to ASEAN and emphasized the shared responsibility of ensuring peace, stability, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific waters.
Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
In his address, PM Modi underlined the significant progress made under the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a framework that enhances cooperation in multiple sectors from digital inclusion and food security to resilient supply chains and sustainable development.
“India and ASEAN share deep-rooted cultural, historical, and economic ties. Our partnership is not just about trade; it is about trust, connectivity, and shared values that guide our collective growth,” said Modi during his address.
The Prime Minister also reiterated that ASEAN lies at the heart of India’s Indo-Pacific vision, stressing that mutual cooperation in digital infrastructure, healthcare, and renewable energy is vital for future resilience.
2026: ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation
The announcement of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation is expected to boost regional collaboration in key maritime areas such as:
- Maritime Awareness & Security: Strengthening regional security networks to combat piracy, trafficking, and illegal fishing across the Indo-Pacific waters.
- Maritime Education & Research: Promoting academic and scientific exchange between Indian and ASEAN maritime universities and institutions.
- Tourism & Cultural Exchange: Enhancing cruise tourism, heritage coastal circuits, and people-to-people connectivity through sea routes.
- Blue Economy & Green Energy: Investing in clean energy initiatives, marine biodiversity conservation, and sustainable fishing practices.
This initiative aligns with India’s larger Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) both designed to foster freedom of navigation, environmental sustainability, and inclusive economic development.
Trade Growth and Economic Integration
Trade and investment were central themes at the summit, as leaders discussed strategies to accelerate post-pandemic recovery and supply chain diversification. Modi emphasized India’s readiness to collaborate on digital trade, logistics, and manufacturing, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.
ASEAN currently represents one of India’s largest trading blocs, with bilateral trade surpassing $131 billion in 2024. The Prime Minister urged greater use of local currencies for trade settlements to reduce dependence on external exchange systems and promote regional stability.
“India and ASEAN must work together to make global supply chains more secure, diversified, and inclusive,” Modi stated. “Our economies can complement each other through technology, innovation, and youth-driven entrepreneurship.”
Regional Stability: Myanmar Crisis and South China Sea
The summit also addressed pressing geopolitical challenges, particularly the ongoing Myanmar crisis and rising tensions in the South China Sea.
PM Modi reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, calling for dialogue, humanitarian assistance, and restoration of democracy in the country.
Regarding maritime disputes, Modi reiterated India’s consistent position advocating for the freedom of navigation, respect for international law (UNCLOS 1982), and peaceful resolution of conflicts. He highlighted the importance of a stable maritime environment for regional economic security and connectivity.
“India believes that oceans connect us, not divide us. The future of our region depends on open, safe, and rules-based maritime routes,” Modi said firmly.
Focus on Digital Inclusion and Connectivity
A key part of India’s ASEAN engagement involves digital transformation. Modi noted the success of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and expressed readiness to share expertise in areas like digital payments, e-governance, cybersecurity, and AI-based innovation with ASEAN countries.
The Prime Minister proposed enhanced collaboration on digital literacy programs and cross-border fintech ecosystems to empower small businesses and rural communities across Southeast Asia.
Additionally, India and ASEAN are exploring multimodal connectivity projects linking India’s Northeast with Myanmar, Thailand, and other ASEAN states a move that would significantly improve trade logistics and tourism flow.
Sustainability and Green Growth
Modi’s speech also placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and green growth, aligning with ASEAN’s climate goals. He highlighted India’s achievements under Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and invited ASEAN nations to join hands in promoting green technologies, renewable energy transitions, and climate-resilient agriculture.
India’s International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) were presented as platforms for ASEAN countries to collaborate in addressing climate change and disaster management.
“Our shared future must rest on the pillars of sustainability and inclusivity. Together, we can build a green and resilient Indo-Pacific,” Modi said.
Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Ties
PM Modi also touched upon the deep civilizational bonds between India and Southeast Asia from ancient maritime trade routes to cultural exchanges through Buddhism and Hinduism. The upcoming Maritime Cooperation Year 2026 aims to celebrate these ties through joint cultural festivals, maritime exhibitions, and student exchange programs.
India also plans to host ASEAN-India Maritime Heritage Week and launch youth fellowships dedicated to studying maritime history, navigation technologies, and sustainability in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea regions.
Malaysia’s Role and Summit Highlights
Malaysia, the 2025 ASEAN chair, steered the summit under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability: Together for a Resilient Future.” The leaders jointly reviewed the progress of the ASEAN-India Action Plan (2021–2025) and began drafting the next phase (2026–2030) to align with evolving global challenges.
The summit also saw discussions on AI governance, digital trust, public health cooperation, and youth skill development, with India proposing to host a Special ASEAN-India Startup Innovation Forum in 2026.
Towards a Shared Indo-Pacific Vision
PM Modi’s announcement of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation signals a new chapter in Indo-ASEAN relations, blending historical maritime links with modern sustainability and security objectives.
As the Indo-Pacific becomes a focal point of global geopolitics, India and ASEAN’s partnership is poised to shape a balanced, inclusive, and future-ready regional order.
With shared values, digital innovation, and maritime cooperation as the foundation, the ASEAN-India alliance continues to sail toward a horizon of peace, prosperity, and partnership.
