India, Asean fellow travellers of Global South: PM in virtual talk

New Delhi: Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the 21st century is a shared era of opportunity for India and Asean and declared 2026 as the 'Year of Asean-India Maritime Cooperation'.

"The 21st century is our century. It is India and Asean's century," Modi said. "I am confident that the goals of 'Asean Community Vision 2045' and 'Viksit Bharat 2047' will create a brighter and prosperous future for humanity."

He was virtually addressing the 22nd India-Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur. "Asean is a cornerstone of India's Act East Policy. India has always fully supported Asean centrality and Asean's outlook in the Indo-Pacific," the PM affirmed.


Modi also highlighted that India and Asean account for nearly a quarter of the world's population and said the connection between the two is not merely geographical, but also rooted in deep historical ties and shared values.

"We do not just share geography; we are also connected by the thread of deep historical ties and shared values. We are fellow travellers of the Global South." Modi noted that the India-Asean Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continued to advance. He described this strong partnership as a growing pillar for global stability and sustainable development.

"This year's theme for the Asean summit is 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,'" he said, noting that it is reflected in shared efforts such as digital inclusion, food security and resilient supply chains amid global challenges. "India fully supports this vision and remains committed to advancing it."

He pointed out that India has consistently stood by Asean in every disaster, with collaboration in disaster response, maritime security, and the blue economy growing rapidly.

Modi also stressed the importance of unity in fight against terrorism. India has proposed to organise the second Asean-India defence ministers' meeting and the second Asean-India Maritime Exercise. The PM also appreciated Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos for serving as India's country coordinator and welcomed East Timor as a new member of Asean.