What happened
On October 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually, describing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the “main pillar” of India’s Act East Policy. Speaking at the summit held in Kuala Lumpur, Modi congratulated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for hosting the event and welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s 11th member — the bloc’s first expansion in 26 years. He underlined the shared history, culture, and values connecting India and ASEAN, highlighting that together they represent one-fourth of the global population.
Why it matters to India
PM Modi reaffirmed ASEAN’s centrality in India’s Indo-Pacific vision and its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the grouping. He emphasized collaboration in maritime security, digital inclusion, disaster response, and the blue economy, announcing 2026 as the “Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation.” Rooted in the Act East Policy launched in 2014, India’s engagement with ASEAN reflects a broader commitment to regional stability, economic growth, and global development — reinforcing the idea that “the 21st century is the century of India and ASEAN.”