Overview Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit , reaffirming India's commitment to strengthening ties with the ASEAN region. The summit, held in October 2025 , focused on enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN, emphasizing shared values, historical ties, and mutual goals for regional stability and development. The Prime Minister highlighted the declaration of 2026 as the "ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation" . Key Highlights of the Prime Minister's Address Congratulations and Welcome: The Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia for the successful chairmanship of ASEAN and welcomed Timor-Leste as the newest member of ASEAN. Condolences: Expressed condolences to the Royal Family and the people of Thailand on the passing of the Queen Mother. Shared Values and Geography: Emphasized that India and ASEAN together represent nearly one-fourth of the world’s population and share deep historical ties and values. Act East Policy: Reiterated that ASEAN is a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and that India fully supports ASEAN centrality and its outlook in the Indo-Pacific . Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Highlighted the steady progress of the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which is emerging as a robust foundation for global stability and development. Theme of the Summit: The theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit is "Inclusivity and Sustainability," which is reflected in joint efforts in digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains. Maritime Cooperation: Declared 2026 as "ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation" to enhance cooperation in HADR, maritime security, and the blue economy. Future Cooperation: Focused on advancing cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cyber security. Shared Cultural Heritage: Committed to preserving shared cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people ties. Vision for the Future: Expressed confidence that the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 will build a bright future for all of humanity. UPSC Relevance This news article is highly relevant for the UPSC Civil Services Exam, particularly for the following areas: GS Paper II: International Relations: Focuses on India's relationship with ASEAN, its Act East Policy, and its role in regional and global affairs. GS Paper III: Economy: Discusses cooperation in areas such as food security, resilient supply chains, and the blue economy. GS Paper III: Security: Highlights cooperation in HADR and maritime security. Key Developments and Analysis Act East Policy: India’s Act East Policy aims to promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic partnership with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with ASEAN being a central pillar. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: The strengthening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN is crucial for addressing regional challenges and promoting mutual growth. Maritime Cooperation: The declaration of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation underscores the importance of maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Inclusivity and Sustainability: The theme of the ASEAN Summit reflects the global focus on sustainable development goals and inclusive growth strategies. Important Facts for Prelims ASEAN-India Relations: India and ASEAN represent nearly one-fourth of the world’s population. Act East Policy: ASEAN is a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy. Maritime Cooperation: 2026 is declared as "ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation." Summit Theme: The theme of the 2025 ASEAN Summit is "Inclusivity and Sustainability." Future Vision: India aims to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047. Potential Mains Questions Evaluate the significance of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the context of global stability and development. Discuss the importance of maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN, particularly in HADR and maritime security. Analyze the role of India's Act East Policy in strengthening ties with ASEAN and its impact on regional geopolitics.