During the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)–India Summit on October 26, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that 2026 will be designated as the “ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.” This initiative represents India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime, security, economic, and cultural ties with ASEAN, thereby reinforcing the maritime aspect of their bilateral relationship.
Key Announcements & Themes
In his opening remarks, PM Modi highlighted several crucial points regarding growing cooperation between India and ASEAN. He noted the increasing focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy. The designation of 2026 as the Year of Maritime Cooperation signals a significant step towards further solidifying these connections. Modi emphasized that the 21st century belongs to both India and ASEAN—a declaration that underscores the strategic importance of their partnership.
The summit’s theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” aligns with ongoing projects aimed at enhancing digital inclusion, building resilient supply chains, and increasing maritime connectivity.
Significance for India–ASEAN Relations
The declaration of 2026 as the Year of Maritime Cooperation highlights several strategic dimensions:
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Maritime Security and Indo-Pacific Focus: The announcement emphasizes India’s pivotal role in regional maritime order. It indicates a commitment to support maritime domain awareness and capacity-building efforts with ASEAN nations.
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Blue Economy and Sustainable Maritime Growth: The blue economy, which encompasses marine resources, ports, shipping, and ocean governance, is recognized as an increasing focus for collaboration.
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Reinforcement of the Act East Policy: ASEAN is a fundamental element of India’s Act East policy, and emphasizing maritime issues highlights a desire for deeper strategic integration and cooperation.
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HADR and Resilience Partnership: The connection to HADR practices stresses the importance of addressing non-traditional security challenges, particularly those involving disaster response, coastal resilience, and climate-induced maritime risks.
Conclusion
In summary, the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit marks a pivotal moment in strengthening maritime cooperation between India and ASEAN. The designation of 2026 as the Year of Maritime Cooperation not only reflects a multi-faceted approach towards enhancing security, sustainability, and resilience but also serves to align with the broader India-ASEAN Plan of Action for 2026-2030. By focusing on maritime issues, India aims to deepen its strategic ties with all ten ASEAN member states, underscoring the importance of these relationships in the context of regional stability and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region.
