PM’s Participation in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, Kuala Lumpur
Analysis
- The 22nd ASEAN-India Summit was held on 26 October 2025.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the summit virtually.
- ASEAN and Indian leaders reviewed progress in ASEAN-India relations and discussed initiatives to further strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- This marked the Prime Minister’s 12th participation in the ASEAN-India Summit.
- The Prime Minister congratulated Timor-Leste on becoming the 11th Member of ASEAN and welcomed its delegation to the summit as a full member.
- India reiterated its support for:
- ASEAN Unity
- ASEAN Centrality
- ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific
- The Prime Minister complimented ASEAN on the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
- Emphasis was laid on the early review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to unlock the full economic potential of the partnership.
- The Prime Minister highlighted terrorism as a serious threat to global peace and security and stressed the importance of unity in counter-terrorism efforts.
- Supporting Malaysia’s Chair theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, India announced multiple initiatives, including:
- Extended support for the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030).
- Adoption of the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Tourism during the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.
- Designation of 2026 as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation”, with a focus on the blue economy.
- Proposal to hold the Second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the Second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.
- Continued role of India as a First Responder and enhanced cooperation in Disaster Preparedness and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
- Training of 400 professionals in renewable energy to support the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.
- Extension of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to Timor-Leste.
- Proposal to establish a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University.
- Strengthening cooperation in education, energy, science and technology, fintech, cultural preservation, and increased focus on infrastructure, semiconductors, emerging technologies, rare earths, and critical minerals.
- Organisation of the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal, Gujarat, and a conference on Maritime Security Cooperation.
- The Prime Minister thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim for hosting the summit virtually and appreciated the Philippines’ role as country coordinator.
- ASEAN leaders acknowledged India’s long-standing support for ASEAN and its continued engagement through the Act East Policy.
Necessary Static Part
ASEAN-India Summit
- Annual summit between India and ASEAN leaders.
- Serves as the highest political-level mechanism guiding ASEAN-India relations.
- Focuses on political-security, economic, maritime, and socio-cultural cooperation.
ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- Framework guiding deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.
- Implemented through Plans of Action and sector-specific initiatives.
AITIGA
- ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement.
- Review aims to address trade imbalances and enhance mutual market access.
Updated – 26 October 2025 ; 11:08 AM | PIB
News Source: PM India