THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and India, in a meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia on Friday, Feb.13, highlighted maritime cooperation as a priority issue, citing the imperatives of sea safety, environmental protection, connectivity, and adherence to international law across the Indo-Pacific.
As ASEAN chair, the Philippines co-led the 26th ASEAN-India Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting, with permanent representative of the Philippines to ASEAN, Ambassador Evangeline Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, reaffirming the Philippines’ proactive role in strengthening ASEAN-India dialogue relations.
Both parties highlighted 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, dedicated to promoting practical collaboration in maritime safety, marine environmental protection, sustainable blue economy, and capacity-building in maritime governance.
“The initiative reflects the shared commitment of ASEAN and India to uphold international law, particularly UNCLOS, promote freedom of navigation and overflight, and strengthen maritime connectivity and resilience in the Indo-Pacific region,” a statement released on Tuesday read.
ASEAN member-states and India also discussed the implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (POA) 2026–2030, which aims to steer cooperation across political-security, economic, and socio-cultural areas.
“The adoption of the successor Plan of Action reflects the high level of trust and commitment between ASEAN and India, and provides a clear roadmap to translate our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into tangible outcomes for our peoples,” Ducrocq said.
She underscored that the ASEAN and India will intensify work in connectivity, pointing out the convergent aspirations of ASEAN member states and India in inclusive and sustainable development, and called for more efforts to realize the economic potential of two regions “in full expansion mode.”
For her part, Indian ambassador to the ASEAN, Srinivas Gotru, emphasized her country’s commitment to the regional organization.
She said “India remains steadfast in its support for ASEAN-led initiatives and mechanisms, and will continue to work closely with ASEAN Member States to deliver concrete projects that advance connectivity, sustainability, and digital transformation across the region.”
The meeting looked ahead to the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations in 2027, expressing confidence that the milestone year would further elevate the partnership and deliver meaningful benefits to the region.
The ASEAN-India JCC functions as the main body overseeing cooperation projects under the dialogue relations.
It reviews progress, guides the implementation of the Plan of Action, and prepares recommendations for the ASEAN-India Summit and related high-level meetings.
