PM Modi stresses on early review of Asean-India FTA, puts forth several proposals for closer partnership

Kuala Lumpur/New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, participating in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually, stressed on the early review of the Asean-India FTA which he said would unleash the full economic potential of the relationship.
The PM also stated that terrorism is a serious challenge to global peace and security, and stressed the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Timor Leste on becoming the 11th Member of ASEAN, welcomed the delegation at its first ASEAN-India Summit as a full member of ASEAN, and conveyed India’s continued support for its human development.
Reiterating India’s support for ASEAN Unity, ASEAN Centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister complimented ASEAN on adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
Prime Minister Modi emphasised that early review of the ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA) can unleash the full economic potential of our relationship for the benefit of our peoples and further strengthen regional cooperation.
In support of the Malaysian Chair’s theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, PM announced:
• Extended support for implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action to implement the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030)
• Adoption of the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Tourism to strengthen tourism cooperation, as we celebrate the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism
• Designation of the year 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation” to forge partnerships in blue economy
• Proposing to organise the Second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the Second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise for a secure maritime environment
• India will continue its role as a First Responder in times of crisis in the neighbourhood, and further strengthen cooperation in Disaster Preparedness and HADR
• Training of 400 professionals in renewable energy, for supporting the ASEAN Power Grid initiative
• Extending Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Timor Leste
• The proposed establishment of a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University, to develop regional expertise
• Supporting ongoing cooperation in education, energy, science and technology, fintech and cultural preservation, and emphasised the need for increasing cooperation in infrastructure, semiconductor, emerging technologies, rare earths and critical minerals
• Holding the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal, Gujarat, and a conference on Maritime Security Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi also thanked Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim for his flexibility in hosting the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and making excellent arrangements for the meeting.
The Prime Minister also thanked President Marcos Jr. for the Philippines’ effective country-coordinatorship. ASEAN leaders appreciated India’s long-standing support for ASEAN and its continued commitment to deepen engagement with the region through its Act East Policy.
Earlier, during the meeting, PM Modi and ASEAN leaders jointly reviewed progress in ASEAN-India relations and discussed initiatives for strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This was PM Modi’s 12th participation in the India-ASEAN Summit.
UNI RN