ASEAN-India Summit 2025: Here’s All Students Need to Know

ASEAN India Summit 2025: The ASEAN India Summit 2025 marked a major milestone in India’s diplomatic engagement with Southeast Asia. The 22nd edition of ASEAN-India Summit took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was held on 26 October 2025, under Malaysia’s chairmanship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually. 

It highlights India’s commitment to ASEAN’s central role in the Indo-Pacific. Discussions focused on the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, addressing regional peace, trade, maritime cooperation, and technology. The Summit also welcomed Timor Leste as the 11th ASEAN member. It expanded the bloc’s reach and reinforced ASEAN’s role in shaping regional stability.

ASEAN India Summit 2025 Key Highlights

The Summit underlined deepening of India’s partnership with ASEAN across various domains. PM Modi congratulated Timor Leste for joining ASEAN and reaffirmed support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP). He announced several initiatives:

ASEAN-India Summit 2025 Held in Which Country?

The ASEAN India Summit 2025 was hosted by Malaysia, the ASEAN Chair for 2025. The event was originally planned for Kuala Lumpur. This was PM Modi’s 12th ASEAN-India Summit participation.

ASEAN-India Summit 2025 Venue

The Summit took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ASEAN leaders participated in to discussion on strategic and economic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. However, India’s PM Narendra Modi attended it virtually. 

What is ASEAN?

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with five founding members. These members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. It promotes regional peace, economic progress, and cultural exchange through joint collaboration in various sectors.

ASEAN Members

Is India a Member of ASEAN?

No, India is not a member of ASEAN, but it is a strategic partner. India has strong cultural and trade ties with ASEAN nations. It participates in multiple ASEAN-led platforms like the East Asia Summit, ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

What are India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

The ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA) was signed in 2009. It covers goods, services, and investments. In 2025, both sides agreed to an early review to improve trade balance and market access. The FTA aims to boost commerce in digital technologies, manufacturing, energy, and semiconductors.

Strategic Importance of ASEAN

• Geopolitical Impact: Strengthens India’s role in Indo-Pacific amid regional power shifts.

• Economic Focus: Renewed FTA can increase trade opportunities for Indian exporters.

• Security Cooperation: Maritime and defence exercises to counter piracy and ensure regional peace.

• Education and Culture: Nalanda University to act as a hub for ASEAN-India research collaboration.

• Sustainability Push: Joint efforts on renewable energy, blue economy, and tourism highlight green diplomacy.

The ASEAN-India Summit 2025 reaffirmed India’s commitment to a prosperous and peaceful. Indo-Pacific. Both regions aim to achieve sustainable growth and collective security through stronger ties.  It will reinforce the success of India’s Act East Policy.