India Regards ASEAN As Trusted Partner, Vows Deeper Regional Cooperation

By Muhammad Fawwaz Thaqif Nor Afandi

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Bernama) -- India regards ASEAN as a genuine and trusted partner and has reaffirmed its strong commitment to deepening collaboration with the regional bloc across all areas.

Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita said India and ASEAN share historical links and a dynamic partnership that continues to expand under New Delhi's Act East Policy.

"The (ASEAN-India) relationship is growing stronger day by day and it can be felt and reflected in all the initiatives by ASEAN states.

“We have worked together across all sectors, ranging from trade, commerce and culture,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings here Friday.

Margherita highlighted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended 11 ASEAN-related meetings, underlining the importance of India and its ties with the regional bloc.

“At the last ASEAN Summit in Laos, he (Modi) reiterated that this century is a century of Asia, especially India and ASEAN countries,” he said.

He also welcomed the recent adoption of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030), describing it as a timely step to further elevate cooperation and looking forward to work closely with ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.

Meanwhile, Margherita commended Malaysia for its successful ASEAN chairmanship and warm hospitality.

“I must again convey my thanks and gratitude to Malaysia for being the chair of this ASEAN, and I congratulate Malaysia on their immense success in organising all these events,” he said.

ASEAN and India first established sectoral dialogue relations in 1992, which were upgraded to full dialogue partner status in 1995, and subsequently to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.

The 58th AMM and related meetings, held from July 8 to 11 under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” include 24 ministerial-level engagements, bringing together ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners to strengthen regional cooperation and partnerships.

-- BERNAMA