PM’S PARTICIPATION IN THE ASEAN SUMMIT

• The 22nd ASEAN–India Summit was held on 26 October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
• PM Narendra Modi participated virtually, reflecting the growing role of India in Southeast Asia.
• The Summit focused on reviewing ASEAN–India relations and strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Significance: This was PM Modi’s 12th participation, showing India’s long-term commitment to ASEAN.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

• Timor Leste was welcomed as the 11th member of ASEAN, making it part of the bloc’s first expansion since the 1990s.
• India extended its support for human development in Timor Leste.
• Significance: Strengthens regional inclusivity and opens new opportunities for trade, education, and development cooperation.

• PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to:
  • ASEAN Unity
  • ASEAN Centrality in regional architecture
  • ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)
• Congratulated ASEAN for adopting ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which envisions a peaceful, inclusive, and economically integrated Southeast Asia.

ECONOMIC & TRADE COOPERATION

• Highlighted the early review of ASEAN–India FTA (AITIGA):
  • Could unlock the full economic potential of India-ASEAN trade.
  • Important for regional cooperation and strengthening economic ties.

• PM emphasized that terrorism remains a serious challenge to global peace and security.
• Stressed the need for collective action and regional unity against terrorism.

DIPLOMATIC APPRECIATION

• PM Modi thanked Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim for hosting the Summit.
• Appreciated Philippines’ President Marcos Jr. for coordination.
• ASEAN leaders acknowledged India’s long-standing support and the Act East Policy.