Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Context
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are being held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 26-28, 2025.
At the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 22nd ASEAN-India summit, describing ASEAN as a "cultural partner" of India.
About the ASEAN Grouping
It was founded in 1967 with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by its five founding members:
Indonesia
Malaysia
Philippines
Singapore
Thailand.
ASEAN is made up of 10 members Countries with a population of 678 million people and a gross domestic product of $3.9 trillion.
Objectives of ASEAN:
The ASEAN Community is built on three pillars:
ASEAN Political-Security Community
ASEAN Economic Community
ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community
It aims to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and cultural development in the region.
It also seeks to promote regional peace and stability through respect for justice and the rule of law.
A core principle (contained in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC)) is non-interference in the internal affairs of member states.
ASEAN 2025 Summit and Timor-Leste
The 47th ASEAN Summit is hosted by Malaysia, the Chair of ASEAN for 2025.
The theme for Malaysia's chairmanship is “Inclusivity and Sustainability”.
Timor-Leste's Accession:
A major outcome of the summit was the formal admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th member of ASEAN.
This is the bloc's first expansion in over two decades. (Cambodia joined in 1999.)
Timor-Leste officially applied for membership in 2011 and was granted observer status in 2022.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Timor-Leste as the newest member.