India will be a crucial partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in solving many of its ‘common concerns’ as it is poised to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to President Ferdinand Marcos.
The chief executive made the pronouncement at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia during the weekend.
‘As a committed dialogue partner that recognizes the ASEAN centrality through its Act East policy which stresses ASEAN as a core pillar of its engagement, we may also turn our gaze to India for solutions to our common concerns,’ he said.
Marcos, who is the Country Coordinator for latest ASEAN-India Dialogue, will serve as chair of the ASEAN Summit to be held next year in the Philippines.
Based on the World Economic Outlook of the International Monetary Fund, India has become the fourth largest economy in the world.
The President also highlighted India’s crucial role in maintaining maritime peace in the Indo-Pacific region.
‘Foremost, as a maritime and archipelagic nation, I wish to highlight the great importance of the rule of law in our oceans. Both ASEAN and India should see peaceful settlement of disputes of maritime cooperation as essential as our seas contribute to the peace and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region,’ Marcos said.
‘In this regard, I thank Prime Minister Modi for India’s consistent support for international law and the rule of law in our seas,’ he added.
Modi announced that 2026 will be the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’ to promote maritime security and development.
During Marcos’ state visit to India in August, he discussed the country’s enhanced maritime cooperation with the Indian naval forces.
He thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for being a gracious host in that state visit.
‘Last August, I had the privilege of visiting India at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi. And during my visit to the world’s largest democracy, I witnessed firsthand that as nations of the Global South, we share common challenges – and that deeper cooperation among us is essential,’ Marcos said.