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India, ASEAN Review Strategic Partnership, Mark 2026 as Maritime Year

Senior officials from India and ASEAN member states convened in Manila for the 28th Senior Officials' Meeting to review progress on their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The meeting focused on implementing decisions from the 2025 summit and designated 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation. Indian diplomat Periasamy Kumaran held bilateral talks with Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, discussing the progress of the strategic partnership between the two nations. The concurrent ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting also worked on advancing community-building priorities and preparations for the 2026 ASEAN Summit.

Key Points: India-ASEAN Meet to Strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

  • Reviewed ASEAN-India Summit decisions
  • 2026 designated Year of Maritime Cooperation
  • Discussed strengthening strategic partnership
  • Advanced ASEAN Community-building priorities
2 min read

India, ASEAN discuss ways to strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Senior officials from India and ASEAN review partnership progress, designate 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation in Manila meeting.

"We had a brief but productive exchange on the progress of Philippines-India strategic partnership - Maria Theresa P. Lazaro"

Manila, April 9

Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, Periasamy Kumaran and Undersecretary for Policy at the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs, Leo M Herrera-Lim, co-chaired the 28th ASEAN-India Senior Officials' Meeting in Manila.

During the meeting, the participants reviewed progress in the implementation of decisions of the ASEAN-India Summit held in October 2025 and discussed ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In a post on X, the MEA spokesperson stated, "The meeting reviewed progress in the implementation of decisions of ASEAN-India Summit held in October 2025 and discussed ways to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as we mark the year 2026 as ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation."

On Wednesday, Periasamy Kumaran met representatives of prominent think tanks, academics, and experts in Manila and "had a useful exchange of views on a wide range of bilateral and global issues," the Indian Embassy in the Philippines posted on X.

Periasamy Kumaran also held a meeting with the Philippines Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Maria Theresa P. Lazaro, in Manila on Wednesday, discussing the progress of the strategic partnership between the two nations and India's active support for ASEAN.

In a post on X, Lazaro stated, "We had a brief but productive exchange on the progress of Philippines-India strategic partnership, as well as on India's active support for ASEAN."

Meanwhile, the ASEAN Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) convened in Manila, continued to discuss the Philippines' Chairship priorities and deliverables to advance ASEAN Community-building, including ways to strengthen ASEAN's external relations and preparations for the 48th ASEAN Summit in May 2026.

According to a statement released by ASEAN, the meeting, which comprised plenary and retreat sessions, was attended by the SOM Leaders of ASEAN Member States or their representatives, and the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Political-Security Community.

ASEAN was established in Thailand in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, according to the official statement. Brunei Darussalam joined ASEAN in January 1984, followed by Vietnam in July 1995, Laos and Myanmar in July 1997, Cambodia in April 1999, and Timor-Leste in October 2025, making up what is today the 11 Member States of ASEAN.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in international trade, I see immense potential here. A stronger ASEAN-India partnership can create alternative supply chains and boost economic resilience for all involved. Hope they move from discussions to concrete trade agreements quickly.
P
Priyanka N
Good to see India engaging proactively. However, I hope these partnerships also translate into tangible benefits for common people - more student exchanges, easier travel, and collaborative projects in tech and sustainability. Sometimes these high-level meetings feel disconnected from ground reality.
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Rohit P
Maritime cooperation is key! With China's growing presence in the South China Sea, a strong India-ASEAN axis is essential for maintaining a balance and ensuring freedom of navigation. Our navy should conduct more joint exercises with ASEAN countries.
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Aman W
The cultural and historical connections between India and Southeast Asia are deep. Strengthening this partnership isn't just about geopolitics or trade, it's about reconnecting with our civilizational siblings. More cultural festivals and tourism promotions, please!
M
Michael C
Interesting to see Timor-Leste as the newest member. India's consistent support for ASEAN centrality is a smart long-term strategic move. This partnership can be a stabilizing force in the region.

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