22nd ASEAN-India Summit: Strengthening the Indo-Pacific Partnership

The 22nd ASEAN–India Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025, marked a key milestone in the evolution of India–ASEAN relations.
India reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN Centrality and declared 2026 as the “ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.”
A major outcome of the summit was the endorsement of the ASEAN–India Plan of Action (2026–2030) under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) — a step forward in advancing regional cooperation, trade, and maritime security.

About the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

Founded: 8 August 1967, Bangkok (Bangkok Declaration)
Founding Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand
Later Members:
- Brunei Darussalam (1984)
- Vietnam (1995)
- Laos and Myanmar (1997)
- Cambodia (1999)
- Timor-Leste (2025) – joining as the 11th member, marking ASEAN’s first expansion since 1999

ASEAN today represents a combined GDP of over USD 3.2 trillion and a population of around 650 million, making it one of the most dynamic regions globally.

Key Highlights of the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit

1. ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)

India reiterated its unwavering support for ASEAN Centrality, Unity, and the AOIP framework, aligning it with its own Indo-Pacific Vision and the SAGAR Doctrine (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
Both sides emphasized the importance of a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

2. Timor-Leste Becomes the 11th ASEAN Member

Timor-Leste’s admission marks a significant geopolitical expansion of ASEAN.
Located in Maritime Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste holds strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific, especially for energy resources in the Timor Sea.

3. ASEAN–India Plan of Action (2026–2030)

The plan operationalizes the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), first announced in 2022.
It identifies key focus areas such as:
- Maritime Security & Blue Economy
- Digital Transformation & Connectivity
- Trade Facilitation & Supply Chain Resilience
- Education & People-to-People Ties
- Sustainable Development and Climate Action

4. ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation (2026)

The year 2026 will witness joint maritime activities, naval exercises, and initiatives under the Blue Economy framework.
India will host the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival at Lothal, Gujarat, and a Conference on Maritime Security Cooperation to promote sustainable ocean governance.

5. Capacity Building and Academic Cooperation

India proposed to set up a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University.
This will foster academic exchanges, cultural dialogues, and research collaboration in maritime studies and regional diplomacy.

6. Focus on Emerging Technologies and Critical Minerals

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in:
- Semiconductors & critical mineral supply chains
- Fintech & Artificial Intelligence
- Renewable energy and clean technologies
- Rare earth exploration
- Digital innovation and cybersecurity

Strategic and Economic Significance of India–ASEAN Relations

1. Economic & Trade Linkages

ASEAN is India’s 4th largest trading partner with bilateral trade reaching USD 122.67 billion in 2023–24.
The ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITGA), signed in 2009, serves as a foundation for deepening trade integration.
India aims to diversify trade through enhanced digital economy and supply-chain partnerships.

2. Defence and Security Cooperation

ASEAN plays a key role in balancing power in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with India’s Act East Policy.
Regular ASEAN–India Maritime Exercises (AIME) strengthen naval cooperation, anti-piracy operations, and disaster relief coordination.
The BrahMos missile export deal with the Philippines exemplifies growing defence trust.

3. Connectivity and Infrastructure

The India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway is a flagship connectivity project enhancing regional trade and tourism.
Expansion of the project to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia is under discussion.

4. Cultural and People-to-People Engagement

Programs such as the ASEAN–India Artists’ Camp, Student Exchange Programme, and Tourism Year (2025) foster cultural integration.
Over 6 million-strong Indian diaspora across ASEAN countries act as a strong socio-cultural bridge.

5. Technological and Digital Partnership

Collaboration in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital trade aims to build an inclusive digital Indo-Pacific ecosystem.
India’s experience in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) offers ASEAN scalable models for e-governance.

Geostrategic Importance of ASEAN for India

Central to the Indo-Pacific: ASEAN forms the strategic pivot connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Supports India’s SAGAR Vision: Strengthening maritime connectivity and sustainable ocean development.
Balancing Influence: Collaboration helps maintain strategic stability amid increasing major power competition in the region.

Conclusion

The 22nd ASEAN–India Summit 2025 reaffirmed the growing depth and maturity of India–ASEAN relations.
With the Plan of Action (2026–2030) and the declaration of 2026 as the Year of Maritime Cooperation, both sides have set a clear roadmap for enhanced engagement in connectivity, maritime security, digital innovation, and sustainable development.
This partnership underscores India’s commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, reflecting its evolving global stature and regional leadership.