New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 47th ASEAN Summit 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, attended by heads of state from several countries, including US President Donald Trump. In his address, Prime Minister Modi welcomed Timor-Leste as a new member of ASEAN and congratulated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the successful organization of the summit. He also expressed his condolences on the passing of the Queen Mother of Thailand. PM Modi said that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is a key pillar of India’s Act East policy.
PM Modi said, “I have once again had the opportunity to connect with our ASEAN family. I congratulate Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the successful chairmanship of the ASEAN Summit. I welcome Timor-Leste as a new member of ASEAN.” He said that India and ASEAN together represent one-fourth of the world’s population. We share not only geography, but also deep historical ties and shared values. We are part of the Global South. We have not only trade relations but also cultural ties. ASEAN is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy. India has always supported ASEAN’s centrality and ASEAN’s vision for the Indo-Pacific. In these times of uncertainty, the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has steadily grown. Our strong partnership is emerging as a foundation for global stability and growth.
India Committed to Moving Forward for Inclusiveness
PM Modi said, “The theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit is ‘Inclusiveness and Sustainability.’ This theme is clearly reflected in our shared efforts—whether it is digital inclusion or ensuring food security and resilient supply chains amid current challenges. India fully supports these priorities and is committed to moving forward in this direction.”
He said that India has always stood firmly with its ASEAN partners in every crisis. Our cooperation in HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief), maritime security, and the blue economy is growing rapidly. In recognition of this, we are declaring 2026 the “Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation.” We are also strongly promoting bilateral cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity.
Prime Minister Modi said that the 21st century is our century…the century of India and ASEAN. I am confident that the goals of the “ASEAN Community Vision 2045” and “Developed India 2047” will create a brighter future for all humanity. India is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with all of you in this direction.
