Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for an expedited review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA) and proposed 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation” to deepen ties with the 11-nation Southeast Asian bloc, as both sides navigate a complex geopolitical landscape marked by rising Chinese assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
Addressing the virtual India-ASEAN Summit hosted by Malaysia, Modi emphasised the bloc’s pivotal role in fostering global stability amid mounting uncertainties.
He described the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a “robust foundation” for addressing shared challenges, including terrorism, which he labeled a “serious challenge” to global peace and security.
The summit, held in Kuala Lumpur under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, saw discussions on strengthening cooperation in food security, resilient supply chains, tourism, and education.
Modi reaffirmed India’s unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality in the Indo-Pacific, a region critical to global trade and security, where tensions have escalated due to China’s growing military presence.
Modi urged an early review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), in force since 2010, to unlock the full economic potential of the partnership.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed the sentiment, noting “some real progress” in negotiations and expressing ASEAN’s aim to finalise the review by year-end.
The agreement is seen as vital to boosting trade and investment ties, with India-ASEAN trade reaching $131 billion in 2024, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Highlighting the shared cultural and historical bonds, Modi noted that India and ASEAN, representing nearly a quarter of the global population, are united by geography, values, and a commitment to the Global South.
“ASEAN is a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy,” he said, underscoring New Delhi’s support for ASEAN’s Community Vision 2045, which aligns with India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
The summit also unveiled a joint statement on sustainable tourism, recognizing its role as a key driver of economic growth for both regions.
Modi proposed initiatives to deepen ties, including hosting the second ASEAN-India defense ministers’ meeting and a maritime exercise to ensure a secure maritime environment.
India would also train 400 ASEAN professionals in renewable energy to support the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, reinforcing collaboration in green energy and sustainability.
Modi reiterated India’s role as a first responder in regional crises, pledging enhanced cooperation in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and the blue economy.“India has stood firmly with its ASEAN friends in every disaster,” he said, pointing to growing collaboration in maritime security and disaster preparedness.
The summit marked Modi’s 12th participation in the India-ASEAN dialogue, which began as a sectoral partnership in 1992, evolved into a full dialogue partnership in 1995, and was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2012.
The relationship has gained momentum in recent years, with a focus on trade, investment, security, and defense cooperation.
Modi also congratulated Timor Leste on becoming ASEAN’s 11th member, signaling the bloc’s expanding regional influence.
ASEAN, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and now Timor Leste, is a key player in the Indo-Pacific, with dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan, and Australia.
The bloc’s strategic importance is underscored by its role in fostering stability in a region critical to global supply chains and maritime trade routes.
Modi highlighted the theme of the summit, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” as reflective of joint efforts in digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains amid global challenges. “India fully supports these priorities and is committed to advancing them together,” he said, emphasizing cooperation in education, science and technology, health, and cybersecurity.
The announcement of 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation” underscores the growing focus on maritime security, a critical issue given the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific. The region, encompassing key shipping lanes like the South China Sea, has seen heightened tensions due to territorial disputes and military build-ups.
India’s engagement with ASEAN is part of its broader Act East Policy, launched in 2014 to strengthen ties with Asia-Pacific nations. The partnership has gained urgency as New Delhi seeks to counterbalance China’s influence in the region while deepening economic and security ties with Southeast Asia.
As global uncertainties persist, from geopolitical rivalries to economic disruptions, the India-ASEAN partnership is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The summit’s outcomes signal a renewed commitment to collaboration, with both sides eyeing tangible progress in trade, security, and sustainable development in the years ahead.
