Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India pledged to deepen their enduring partnership across maritime security, trade, connectivity, and cultural ties during talks in Manila, Philippines, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Post-Ministerial Conference of the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro emphasized the continuous expansion of ASEAN-India ties over the last 34 years.

“Since the establishment of our dialogue relations 34 years ago, this partnership has continued to grow, developing into one of ASEAN’s meaningful external relationships,” Lazaro said.

She pointed out that upgrading the alliance to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022 acknowledged the mutual goals and hurdles faced by both Global South entities. Lazaro also drew attention to ongoing joint efforts, such as the ASEAN Tourism Year and upcoming initiatives tied to the ASEAN Year of Maritime Cooperation.

This maritime agenda, she noted, will prioritize enhancing trade, connectivity, tourism, and the blue economy. It will encompass capacity-building efforts, training programs, and workshops spanning marine bioprospecting, ocean engineering, marine energy, and maritime law enforcement.

“This reflects the character of our partnership: practical, people-oriented, and anchored in delivering benefits to both our regions,” Lazaro said.

Representing New Delhi, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the Philippines for hosting the event and for serving as the country coordinator to bolster the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“The world is extremely turbulent, and it is increasingly evident that no single nation or even grouping can deal with it on its own,” Jaishankar said.

He underscored mounting strains on global supply chains, health security, food security, and energy security as critical issues demanding tighter international collaboration.

“Energy, food and health security can no longer be taken for granted,” he said, cautioning that heavy global reliance on maritime trade elevates the necessity of securing sea routes.

Highlighting the need to uphold international law in maritime domains, Jaishankar noted that the two sides are gearing up to mark 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

“It is a timely reminder of what we can do for a more stable and secure future,” he said.

Concluding on a positive note, Jaishankar observed that despite widespread global uncertainties, both India and ASEAN maintain an optimistic outlook, urging a focus on capitalizing on new opportunities while tackling shared challenges.