Strengthening ASEAN-India Relations
Strengthening Ties Between India and ASEAN in the 22nd Summit: The 22nd ASEAN-India Summit was held in Malaysia in 2025, marking another milestone in regional diplomacy. India and ASEAN reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and inclusivity in the Indo-Pacific region. Both sides elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2022, deepening cooperation in multiple areas.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
The summit emphasized joint efforts under the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030). Leaders adopted the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Tourism, underscoring the importance of green and inclusive growth. Another major highlight was the declaration of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, reinforcing India’s maritime diplomacy focus.
A significant cultural initiative was the proposal to establish a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University, reflecting India’s historical linkages with Southeast Asia. The announcement of the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival to be held in Lothal, Gujarat, further showcased India’s maritime heritage and outreach to ASEAN nations.
Static GK fact: Nalanda University, located in Bihar, was revived in 2010 as an international center of learning with support from East Asian countries.
ASEAN’s Significance for India
ASEAN remains central to India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. India’s support to ASEAN Centrality highlights its recognition of ASEAN as the cornerstone of regional stability and growth.
Trade between India and ASEAN plays a crucial role in economic engagement. The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA), signed in 2009, continues to boost bilateral trade, which reached around USD 123 billion in 2024–25.
Static GK Tip: ASEAN is India’s fourth largest trading partner, accounting for nearly 10% of India’s total trade.
Counterbalancing Regional Challenges
India and ASEAN share common interests in upholding international law and ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. The ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Maritime Cooperation (2023) reaffirmed their stance against unilateral actions, subtly balancing China’s growing assertiveness.
Connectivity and development initiatives, such as the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, enhance India’s linkages with its Northeastern states and ASEAN neighbors. These projects boost cross-border trade and regional integration.
Static GK fact: The Kaladan project connects India’s Sittwe Port in Myanmar to Mizoram through a network of waterways and highways.
Expanding ASEAN Membership
The inclusion of Timor Leste as the 11th ASEAN member during this summit marked a major development in regional expansion. It symbolized ASEAN’s openness to new partnerships and India’s commitment to engaging with a wider Southeast Asian community.
Static GK fact: ASEAN was established in 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, through the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Strengthening Ties Between India and ASEAN in the 22nd Summit:
| Topic | Detail |
| Host Country of 22nd ASEAN-India Summit | Malaysia |
| Year of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership | 2022 |
| New ASEAN Member | Timor Leste |
| ASEAN Formation Year | 1967 |
| Founding Document | Bangkok Declaration |
| Proposed Indian Institution for ASEAN Studies | Nalanda University |
| Declared Theme Year | 2026 – Year of Maritime Cooperation |
| Major Connectivity Project | Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project |
| Bilateral Trade (2024–25) | USD 123 Billion |
| Number of ASEAN Members (2025) | 11 |
