ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Expected to Conclude by Year-End, Says Malaysian PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the growing importance of the strategic partnership between India and ASEAN, highlighting its role in fostering global stability and growth. During a virtual address at the annual India-ASEAN summit, Modi reiterated India's commitment to ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific region. This partnership is seen as crucial amid current global uncertainties.

Malaysia hosted the ASEAN summit and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noting progress in the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). He expressed hope for its conclusion by the end of this year. Modi announced 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and welcomed Timor-Leste as ASEAN's newest member.

Focus on Trade and Cultural Ties

India and ASEAN together represent nearly a quarter of the world's population. Modi highlighted their shared geography, historical ties, and values. "We are companions in the Global South," he said, stressing their roles as both commercial and cultural partners. ASEAN remains a cornerstone of India's Act East Policy.

The prime minister noted that both sides are advancing cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity. He emphasised preserving shared cultural heritage and strengthening people-to-people connections. "The 21st century is our century," Modi declared, expressing confidence in a bright future through initiatives like ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Sustainability

Modi praised the summit's theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability, reflected in joint efforts for digital inclusion, food security, and resilient supply chains. India fully supports these priorities and is committed to advancing them together with ASEAN. The partnership has made steady progress even amid uncertainties.

India has consistently supported its ASEAN friends during disasters. Cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy is rapidly expanding. In recognition of this collaboration, 2026 will be marked as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

Historical Partnership Growth

The dialogue relations between India and ASEAN began with a sectoral partnership in 1992, evolving into a full dialogue partnership by December 1995 and reaching summit level by 2002. The ties were elevated to a strategic partnership in 2012. In recent years, relations have significantly strengthened with a focus on trade, investment, security, and defence cooperation.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim remarked that the India-ASEAN relationship remains a force for stability and mutual prosperity. This sentiment underscores the importance of continued collaboration between these regions for global development.

With inputs from PTI