• Source:JND
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PM Modi At ASEAN Summit 2025:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually addressed the 47th ASEAN Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, reiterating India’s steadfast support for the regional bloc and calling ASEAN “a central pillar of India’s Act East Policy.”

Congratulating Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for successfully hosting the summit, PM Modi said India deeply values its partnership with ASEAN, which continues to be a cornerstone of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. “I have again got an opportunity to join my ASEAN family. I congratulate Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the successful organisation of the ASEAN Summit. I also extend my warm welcome to Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN,” Modi said in his address.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his condolences over the demise of Thailand’s Queen Mother, expressing solidarity with the Thai people in their moment of grief. Highlighting the growing strategic importance of ASEAN for India, PM Modi said the association not only shares geographical proximity with India but also deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds. “India and ASEAN together represent one-fourth of the global population. We not only share geography, but also deep historic relations and shared values. We are part of the Global South,” he noted.

PM Modi underscored that the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has grown stronger despite global uncertainties. “During these times of uncertainty, our partnership has continuously increased. Our strong cooperation is emerging as the basis for global stability and development,” he added.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN Centrality and its Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, stressing that mutual trust and collaboration between India and ASEAN are vital for regional peace and economic growth. “ASEAN is the main pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India has always supported ASEAN Centrality and ASEAN’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Together, we are committed to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region,” Modi said.

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The Act East Policy, launched in 2014, has been India’s strategic framework for strengthening political, economic, and cultural ties with the Southeast Asian region. In recent years, India and ASEAN have expanded cooperation in areas including digital economy, renewable energy, healthcare, and connectivity. Officials said Modi’s address also reaffirmed India’s role as a reliable partner to ASEAN countries, particularly in the face of regional challenges such as climate change, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions.

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PM Modi’s remarks come at a time when both India and ASEAN are seeking to deepen engagement in the Indo-Pacific to ensure peace, prosperity, and resilience in the region. With trade between India and ASEAN surpassing $130 billion in 2024, both sides are exploring ways to enhance economic and maritime cooperation further. The ASEAN Summit, attended by leaders from 11 member nations, focused on regional security, economic integration, and sustainable development. 

With inputs from agency.

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