Kuala lumpur: India regards ASEAN as a genuine and trusted partner and has reaffirmed its strong commitment to deepening collaboration with the regional bloc across all areas. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita emphasized the historical links and dynamic partnership between India and ASEAN, which continues to expand under New Delhi's Act East Policy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Margherita stated, "The (ASEAN-India) relationship is growing stronger day by day and it can be felt and reflected in all the initiatives by ASEAN states. We have worked together across all sectors, ranging from trade, commerce, and culture," during the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) and related meetings.

Margherita highlighted that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has attended 11 ASEAN-related meetings, underlining the importance of India and its ties with the regional bloc. He noted that at the last ASEAN Summit in Laos, Modi reiterated that this century is a century of Asia, especially for India and ASEAN countries.

He also welcomed the recent adoption of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026-2030), describing it as a timely step to further elevate cooperation and expressing eagerness to work closely with ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste.

Meanwhile, Margherita commended Malaysia for its successful ASEAN chairmanship and warm hospitality, conveying his gratitude and congratulating Malaysia on their immense success in organizing the events.

ASEAN and India first established sectoral dialogue relations in 1992, which were upgraded to full dialogue partner status in 1995, and subsequently to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. The 58th AMM and related meetings, held from July 8 to 11 under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' included 24 ministerial-level engagements, bringing together ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners to strengthen regional cooperation and partnerships.