PM Modi Declares India-ASEAN A Cultural, Global Powerhouse; Secrets Behind The Strategic Bond Revealed

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 47th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) virtually on Sunday. He described ASEAN as the “main pillar” of India’s Eastern Policy and emphasized that India and ASEAN share much more than trade. “We are not just trading partners, we are also cultural partners,” he said.

His remarks came amid global tensions over trade policies and tariff disputes.

Drawing attention to the scale of the partnership, he said, “Almost a quarter of the world’s population is represented by us. We share not only geography but also culture and values. We are partners of the Global South.”

The Prime Minister paid tribute to Queen Sirikit, Queen Mother of Thailand, and offered his condolences on her death.

Modi emphasized common commitments and future cooperation. “Inclusion and sustainability are the themes of this year’s ASEAN Summit, and this theme reflects our collective efforts, whether it is digital inclusion, food security or resilient supply chains in these turbulent global times. We are committed to working together,” he said.

He emphasized India’s long-standing support to ASEAN during crises. Modi said, “India has always stood by its ASEAN friends in all kinds of disasters. Be it HADR, blue economy or ocean security, our cooperation is rapidly increasing. Seeing this, we declare 2026 as the ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation Year. We will continue to work together to preserve our cultural heritage and develop people-to-people ties.”

He also acknowledged personal ties and friendship. “Prime Minister and my friend Anwar Ibrahim, you have given me the opportunity to join the ASEAN family and I am happy about that. I congratulate you on the successful summit,” he said.

In Modi’s speech, it was emphasized that the depth of India-ASEAN relations goes beyond trade to culture, maritime security and digital partnerships. His remarks signaled India’s intention to solidify its role as a key partner in Southeast Asia and the Global South more broadly.

Best Quotes from Prime Minister Modi’s Address

• “Almost a quarter of the world’s population is represented by us. We share not only geography but also culture and values. We are partners in the Global South.”
• “ASEAN is the pillar of India’s Eastern Policy. India supports the centrality and perspective of ASEAN.”
• “Inclusion and sustainability are the themes of this year’s ASEAN Summit, and this theme reflects our collective efforts, whether it is digital inclusion, food security or resilient supply chains in these turbulent global times. We are committed to working together.”
• “India has stood by its ASEAN friends in all kinds of disasters. Be it HADR, blue economy, ocean security, our cooperation is rapidly increasing. Seeing this, we declare 2026 as the ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation Year. We will continue to work together to protect our cultural heritage and develop people-to-people ties.”
• “Prime Minister and my friend Anwar Ibrahim, you gave me the opportunity to join the ASEAN family and I am happy about that. I congratulate you on the successful summit.”