ASEAN may also turn to India for solutions on maritime concerns—Marcos
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. participates in the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Oct. 26, 2025. (Photo courtesy of PCO)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—Stressing that India has a lot to offer to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), President Marcos has stated that the 11-member regional bloc may also learn from India in resolving their common maritime concerns.
Marcos made the statement in his remark during the ASEAN-India Summit at the 47th ASEAN Summit on Sunday, Oct. 26.
In his speech, Marcos said during his recent visit to India, the world’s largest democracy, he witnessed firsthand that "as nations of the Global South, we share common challenges — and that deeper cooperation among us is essential."
Thus, he said, the 11-member ASEAN could draw lessons from India in tackling the region’s common maritime challenges.
"As Southeast Asia's next door neighbor, which is set to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, India has a lot to offer to ASEAN as a region," Marcos said.
"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," the President added.
The President went on to highlight the great importance of the rule of law in the region's 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," he stressed.
He also thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "India’s consistent support for international law and the rule of law in our seas."
Marcos serves as the country coordinator for ASEAN–India dialogue relations during the summit.
During the summit, Modi declared 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation in a bid to bolster regional ties and promote peace and security.