PM Modi Declares 21st Century as Era of India-ASEAN Partnership at 47th ASEAN Summit

India and ASEAN unite for a peaceful Indo-Pacific and shared prosperity in the 21st century

PM Modi Declares 21st Century as Era of India-ASEAN Partnership at 47th ASEAN Summit

In a compelling virtual address to the 47th ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), declaring the 21st century as the century of India and ASEAN. Speaking from New Delhi on October 26, 2025, PM Modi emphasized that ASEAN remains a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and a vital partner in ensuring peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.

Addressing the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, PM Modi congratulated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for successfully chairing the summit and welcomed East Timor as the 11th member of the ASEAN community. He also extended condolences on the passing of Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit.

Highlighting the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, PM Modi noted that the collaboration has shown steady progress even amid global uncertainty. “India and ASEAN together represent nearly one-fourth of the world’s population,” he said, underlining shared geography, historical ties, and common values.

The Prime Minister stressed that India and ASEAN are fellow travelers in the Global South, working together to promote stability, inclusive growth, and regional development. He reiterated support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, calling for enhanced cooperation in maritime security, trade, and cultural exchange.

PM Modi’s speech also reflected India’s long-standing engagement with ASEAN, dating back to 1992 as a Sectoral Dialogue Partner, and its elevation to a Strategic Partnership in 2012. The 2018 Commemorative Summit further solidified maritime cooperation, while the 2022 summit marked the transition to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the 20th East Asia Summit on October 27, continuing India’s diplomatic engagement in the region.

As global dynamics shift, India’s proactive role in ASEAN underscores its vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, making this summit a milestone in regional diplomacy.