October 26, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took center stage—virtually!—at the India-ASEAN Annual Summit held in New Delhi, sending a power-packed message about India’s deep commitment to strengthening ties with the ASEAN bloc. Modi painted an inspiring picture of collaboration focused on digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains amidst a world full of uncertainties.

"Even in these times of uncertainty, the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has made steady progress. Our strong partnership is emerging as a powerful foundation for global stability and growth," Modi declared confidently in his virtual address on Sunday.

This year, the summit’s theme was `inclusivity and sustainability,’ and Modi highlighted how these values pulse through India-ASEAN relations. "This theme is clearly reflected in our joint efforts, whether it is digital inclusion or ensuring food security and resilient supply chains amid current global challenges. India fully supports these priorities and is committed to advancing them together," he added.

Modi stressed ASEAN’s crucial role in India's Act East Policy, affirming, "India has always fully supported ‘ASEAN centrality’ and ASEAN’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific." Although Modi couldn’t attend the ASEAN-India Summit in person, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the upcoming 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

The PM didn’t stop at food and digital topics. He threw spotlight on expanding cooperation in maritime security and the blue economy, saying, "We are declaring 2026 as the ASEAN-India year of maritime cooperation." It’s a bold vision for the sea, where both sides vow to work hand in hand.

Beyond that, Modi spoke about growing teamwork in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. "We will continue to work together to preserve our shared cultural heritage and strengthen people-to-people ties," he said warmly.

India is a key dialogue partner of ASEAN’s ten nations — from Brunei to Vietnam. The two sides are also pushing to review and rebalance their free trade agreement to tackle India’s expanding trade deficit with the bloc.

In a nutshell, the India-ASEAN friendship is on a rocket journey to new heights, led by digital dreams, food security goals, and maritime camaraderie. Modi’s message was clear: even amid global storms, India and ASEAN keep their bond rocking on a strong foundation.

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Tags: India-asean summit, Narendra modi, Digital inclusion, Food security, Supply chain, Maritime cooperation,