India’s Virtual Participation in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit
Analysis
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur.
- The Summit focused on reviewing progress in ASEAN-linked relations and exploring new initiatives to deepen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- This was the 12th time the Prime Minister participated in an ASEAN-India Summit.
- The Prime Minister congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th member of ASEAN and welcomed its delegation to its first ASEAN-India Summit as a full member.
- India reiterated its continued support for Timor-Leste’s human development.
- India reaffirmed support for:
- ASEAN Unity
- ASEAN Centrality
- ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific
- The Prime Minister welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
- He stressed the need for an early review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AITIGA) to unlock the full economic potential of regional cooperation.
- Terrorism was highlighted as a serious threat to global peace and security, with a call for collective action and unity.
- Aligning with Malaysia’s Chair theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, India announced key initiatives:
- Implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030)
- Adoption of the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Tourism
- Designation of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation
- Proposal to organise the Second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting
- Proposal to conduct the Second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise
- India reaffirmed its role as a First Responder in regional crises and committed to stronger cooperation in Disaster Preparedness and HADR.
- India announced:
- Training of 400 professionals in renewable energy to support the ASEAN Power Grid
- Extension of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Timor-Leste
- The Prime Minister proposed establishing a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University.
- He emphasised enhanced cooperation in:
- Education, science and technology, energy, fintech, cultural preservation
- Infrastructure, semiconductors, emerging technologies, rare earths, and critical minerals
- Cultural and maritime engagement initiatives included:
- Hosting the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal, Gujarat
- Organising a Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation
- The Prime Minister thanked Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim for hosting the Summit virtually and appreciated the Philippines’ coordination role under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
- ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen engagement with India under the Act East Policy.
Necessary Static Part
ASEAN
- Established in 1967 in Bangkok.
- Current members:
- Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Timor-Leste
- Malaysia is ASEAN Chair for 2025; Philippines will assume the chair in 2026.
ASEAN-India Relations
- India is a Dialogue Partner since 1995.
- Elevated to Summit-level engagement in 2002.
- Anchored in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Updated – 27 October 2025 | 12:23 PM
News Source: DD News