Kuala Lumpur, Oct 26 (NationPress) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated on Sunday that ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations continue to be a significant force for stability and mutual prosperity. He expressed optimism about finalizing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by the end of this year.

During his address at the ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia on Sunday, Ibrahim underscored the robust ties between India and Malaysia, mentioning the substantial population of ethnic Indians residing in Malaysia, as highlighted in a video broadcast by RTVMalacanang.

He remarked: “We are very pleased today, on behalf of ASEAN leaders, to continue our discussions and collaborations with India. We have the ASEAN-India Plan of Action 2026–2030. Our goal is to conclude the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement this year. There has been significant progress, and I must emphasize that India, particularly for Malaysia, has always maintained special relations, partly due to our large population of ethnic Indians, as well as in trade, investments, and collaborations in education.”

“That is why I am particularly delighted to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a friend to ASEAN and to myself personally. Thank you very much for joining this ASEAN meeting. We have had a series of discussions today, and for us, ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations remain a cornerstone of stability and mutual prosperity. With your advancements in various economic fields, I am confident it will be advantageous for both India and ASEAN.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, highlighting the rapidly growing cooperation in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), maritime security, and the blue economy, and proclaimed 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’.

In his remarks, PM Modi stated: “India has stood firmly with its ASEAN partners during every crisis. Our collaboration in HADR, maritime security, and the blue economy is expanding rapidly. In light of this, we are declaring 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation’. Additionally, we are actively promoting bilateral cooperation in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy, and cybersecurity… The 21st century is set to be a shared era for India and ASEAN.”

Emphasizing the deep historical ties and shared values between India and ASEAN, PM Modi remarked, “India and ASEAN together represent nearly a quarter of the world’s population. Our relationship is not only geographical but also deeply rooted in shared history and values. We are partners in the Global South, and our collaboration transcends mere commerce; it is cultural as well.”

He concluded: “ASEAN stands as the cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy. India has consistently supported ASEAN’s central role and its outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Amidst ongoing uncertainties, the India-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is progressing steadily, and our robust partnership is emerging as a vital foundation for global stability and growth.”