pm-modi-declares-2026-asean-india-year-of-maritime-cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,” highlighting the growing partnership between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy.

 

Delivering opening remarks virtually at the ASEAN-India Summit, PM Modi said India has stood firmly with its ASEAN partners in every crisis.

 

“Our cooperation in HADR, maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly. In light of this, we are declaring 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation. Alongside this, we are strongly promoting bilateral cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cyber security… the 21st century is our century. It is India and ASEAN’s century,” he added.

 

Calling ASEAN the main pillar of India’s Act East Policy, the Prime Minister reaffirmed New Delhi’s support for ASEAN centrality.

 

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He described the India-ASEAN partnership as a “powerful foundation for global stability and growth,” noting that the two sides share deep historical ties, common values, and cultural connections.

 

“India and ASEAN together represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population. We not only share geography, but we are also linked by deep historical ties and shared values. We are fellow travellers of the Global South. Our partnership is not just commercial but also cultural,” PM Modi said.

 

The Prime Minister observed that this year’s ASEAN Summit theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” is reflected in the joint efforts of India and ASEAN, ranging from digital inclusion to food security and resilient supply chains amid global challenges.

 

PM Modi also congratulated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on successfully hosting the ASEAN Summit and thanked Philippine President Bongbong Marcos for serving as India’s country coordinator.

 

He extended congratulations to Timor-Leste on joining ASEAN and offered condolences to the people and the royal family of Thailand on the passing of Queen Mother Sirikit.