PM Modi Declares 2026 as ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,” reaffirming India’s focus on strengthening maritime ties and regional stability under its Act East Policy . The announcement was made during the ASEAN-India Summit , held virtually on Sunday.

Focus on Maritime and Strategic Collaboration

• PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to deepening cooperation with ASEAN in maritime security , Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) , and the blue economy . He said maritime partnership is vital for maintaining peace, stability, and sustainable ocean development in the Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN and India’s Act East Policy

• Calling ASEAN the “main pillar” of India’s Act East Policy, Modi reiterated India’s support for ASEAN centrality and its Indo-Pacific Outlook . He said the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is becoming a key framework for regional growth and cooperation.

Shared Vision and Global South Cooperation

• Highlighting cultural and historical ties, Modi noted that India and ASEAN together represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population . He described both as “fellow travellers of the Global South,” committed to advancing education, tourism, health, green energy, technology, and cybersecurity .

Exam-Oriented Facts:

• Theme Year: 2026 – ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation

• Key Focus: Maritime security, blue economy, HADR, and sustainability

• ASEAN Role: Central to India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision

• Population Share: India and ASEAN together account for ~25% of global population

• ASEAN 2025 Theme: “Inclusivity and Sustainability”