'We stand together': PM Modi calls Asean a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy, pledges stronger ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually addressed the 47th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, congratulating Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for chairing the summit and calling the group a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy.

“India and Asean together represent almost a quarter of the world’s population. We do not just share geography; we are also connected by deep historical ties and shared values. We are fellow travelers of the Global South,” PM Modi said.

My remarks during the ASEAN-India Summit, which is being held in Malaysia. https://t.co/87TT0RKY8x

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 26, 2025

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Speaking on the summit theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” he highlighted India’s support for digital inclusion, food security, resilient supply chains, and disaster response. “India has always stood strong with its Asean partners in every disaster. Our collaboration in HADR, sea security, and the blue economy is rapidly increasing. Seeing this, we declare 2026 as the ‘Year of Asean-India Maritime Cooperation.’”

He also emphasised expanding cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. “The 21st century is our century. It is India and ASEAN’s century. I am confident that the aim of ‘Asean Community Vision 2045’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ will develop a bright future for humanity,” Modi said.

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He welcomed Timor-Leste as Asean’s newest member and expressed condolences on the passing of Thailand’s queen mother.

“India and Asean not only share trade and geography but also cultural relations. ASEAN is the main pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India has always supported Asean centrality and its outlook on the Indo-Pacific. During these times of uncertainty, the India-Asean Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continuously grown. Our strong partnership is emerging as the basis for global stability and development,” he added.