Translation
Sarah Mahmoud
Journalist specializing in Indian and Pakistani affairs
Urdu and Hindi Language Translator
UAE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reviewed the progress in ASEAN-India relations and discussed measures necessary to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In his address at the ASEAN-India Summit, held virtually yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi stated that the 21st century belongs to India and ASEAN, as together they represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population.
He called for an early review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement, saying that it would allow the full economic potential to be realized for the common good. Prime Minister Modi described terrorism as a serious challenge to regional peace and security, emphasizing solidarity in combating terrorism.
During his speech, the Prime Minister announced broad support for the Action Plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and India. He also proposed holding the second meeting of ASEAN-India Defense Ministers and conducting joint naval exercises. Additionally, the Prime Minister announced the training of 400 professionals in the renewable energy sector to support the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation between ASEAN and India
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh participated in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, held in Malaysia on Sunday. During the summit, he stressed the need to strengthen the strategic partnership between ASEAN and India and proposed three main areas to achieve this.
Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of enhancing economic relations and fully leveraging mutual benefits to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. Secondly, he proposed increasing people-to-people interaction and cooperation in areas such as education, health, culture, and tourism. Thirdly, he highlighted the importance of boosting maritime cooperation and developing a sustainable “blue economy.”
The Vietnamese Prime Minister stressed the importance of empowering businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises. He called for restructuring the ASEAN-India Business Council and investing in advanced technology, renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, artificial intelligence, and promoting subregional cooperation along the Mekong-Ganga corridor.
He also emphasized the need to strengthen maritime cooperation in shipping, science, and industry. He underlined the importance of continuing support for ASEAN’s position on the South China Sea, ensuring safe, free, and peaceful navigation, and resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982).
India’s Role in Strengthening Regional Cooperation
He added that India has played a pivotal role in promoting regional cooperation and empowering the voice of developing countries on the global agenda. He reiterated Vietnam’s support for India’s policy towards the East and its efforts to strengthen comprehensive and substantive cooperation with ASEAN. He emphasized that ASEAN and India, with a combined population of over two billion and a combined GDP of about $8 trillion, play a crucial role in the rapidly changing and evolving global landscape.
Original Articles:
[https://www.newsonair.gov.in/hi/prime-minister-narendra-modi-and-asean-leaders-review-progress-in-asean-india-relations/](https://www.newsonair.gov.in/hi/prime-minister-narendra-modi-and-asean-leaders-review-progress-in-asean-india-relations/)
[https://www.amarujala.com/world/vietnam-pm-proposes-economic-connectivity-maritime-cooperation-to-advance-asean-india-relations-2025-10-27](https://www.amarujala.com/world/vietnam-pm-proposes-economic-connectivity-maritime-cooperation-to-advance-asean-india-relations-2025-10-27)
