In a powerful address that underscored India’s growing role in shaping Asia’s future, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described the 21st century as the century of India and ASEAN, calling the partnership between the two regions a “robust foundation for global stability and development” amid an increasingly uncertain world order.
Speaking virtually at the ASEAN-India Leaders’ Summit hosted in Kuala Lumpur, Modi positioned India and the ten-nation Southeast Asian bloc as key anchors of the Global South, united not just by geography, but by shared values, history, and aspirations for equitable growth.
The 21st century is our century — the century of India and ASEAN,” Modi said with conviction. “Together, we represent nearly one-fourth of the world’s population.
In this era of uncertainty, our partnership is emerging as a force for global stability and progress.”
A vision for a connected future
Reflecting on India’s long-standing commitment to the region through its Act East Policy, Modi reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN centrality — a concept that places the association at the heart of the Indo-Pacific’s political and economic architecture.
He said that the shared ambitions of ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047) will shape a future built on peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.
Alongside all of you, India is committed to working shoulder to shoulder in this direction,” Modi declared.
Focus on maritime cooperation — a signal to China.
In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing freedom of navigation and cooperation in regional waters — areas increasingly tense due to China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea — Modi announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
India has stood firmly with its ASEAN friends in every disaster,” the Prime Minister said. “Our collaboration in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly.
In recognition of this, we are declaring 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.”
The announcement was seen as a direct message highlighting India’s readiness to partner with ASEAN nations on ensuring the rule of law, maritime safety, and sustainable use of ocean resources in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strengthening the partnership beyond seas
Modi further outlined India’s efforts to broaden the ASEAN partnership across sectors like education, science and technology, health, tourism, green energy, and cyber security, reaffirming India’s commitment to holistic regional development.
He also emphasized the shared civilizational and cultural bonds linking India with Southeast Asia — from ancient trade routes to spiritual and linguistic influences that continue to thrive across borders.
We not only share geography; we are also bound by deep historical ties and shared values,” Modi said. “We are companions in the Global South — commercial as well as cultural partners.”
ASEAN leaders echo India’s vision
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, chairing the summit, described ASEAN-India relations as “a force for stability and mutual prosperity,” expressing confidence that India’s rapid economic growth will benefit the entire region.
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., serving as ASEAN’s country coordinator, praised India’s role as a dependable partner in the Indo-Pacific and highlighted New Delhi’s consistent support for international law and maritime order — an indirect reference to tensions with Beijing.
As maritime nations, ASEAN and India must see peaceful settlement of disputes and maritime cooperation as essential to the peace and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific,” Marcos said, thanking Modi for India’s steadfast stance on the rule of law.
India and ASEAN: partners for the century ahead
With his remarks, Modi projected a vision of shared destiny, where India and ASEAN evolve as twin engines of growth and stability in Asia.
For New Delhi, the partnership represents not just diplomacy, but a strategic, economic, and civilizational alliance shaping the global balance in the 21st century.
This is our time,” Modi concluded. “Together, we will build a brighter future for all of humanity.
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