Marcos: ASEAN can learn from India in dispute resolution, maritime cooperation

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations can learn some things from India in the peaceful settlement of differences and maritime cooperation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Sunday.

He made the remarks at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

In his speech, Marcos underscored India’s role as Southeast Asia’s next-door neighbor and soon-to-be fourth largest economy in the world, adding that “India has a lot to offer to ASEAN as a region.”

“As a committed dialogue partner that recognizes ASEAN’s 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. Foremost, as a maritime and archipelagic nation, I wish to highlight the great importance of the rule of law in our oceans,” the President said.

Marcos is the country coordinator for this year’s ASEAN-India Dialogue.

“Both ASEAN and India should see peaceful settlement of disputes and maritime cooperation as essential as our seas contribute to the peace and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

During the ASEAN-India Summit, the leaders of the 11-member regional bloc expressed their gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and acknowledged India’s vital role in ASEAN’s progress.

For his part, Modi announced that 2026 will be the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation” to promote initiatives in maritime security and development.

He also vowed to closely work with the ASEAN and strengthen partnerships in education, tourism, science and technology, health, green energy and cyber security, etc. — JMA, GMA Integrated News