ASEAN
( PSIR Optional)
News Context
● 22nd ASEAN-India Summit: Convened in Malaysia, where ASEAN and India upgraded their relationship from a Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2022.
● Additional Information:
○ The 47th ASEAN Summit also took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
● ASEAN Summits occur biannually, organized by the nation with the ASEAN Chairmanship.
● Theme: Inclusivity and Sustainability.
● Kuala Lumpur Accord: A joint ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia.
Key Highlights of the Summit
● Support for the ASEAN-India Plan of Action to execute the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership from 2026 to 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 establish a Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at Nalanda University.
● Organization of the East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival in Lothal, Gujarat.
ASEAN-India Relations
About ASEAN
Genesis
● Established: 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
Aims
● Accelerate regional economic and cultural progress.
● Promote peace, stability, and the rule of law.
● Foster collaboration in education, trade, agriculture, and industry.
Secretariat
○ Located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Member Countries
● 11 countries (refer to map).
● Founding Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
● Timor Leste: Joined as the 11th member during the 47th ASEAN summit in 2025; recognized as Asia’s youngest nation.
● Unique Position: Timor-Leste is the only Asian nation entirely in the Southern Hemisphere.
ASEAN Summit
○ The highest policy-making body, consisting of the Heads of State or Government of ASEAN Member States.
ASEAN Charter
● Article 1.15: Highlights the primary goal of maintaining ASEAN's centrality and active role as the main driving force in its relations and cooperation with external partners.