International RelationsImportant2025-10-26

India Participates in 22nd ASEAN-India Summit

Why focus: GS2 IR. Inclusion of Timor-Leste and declaration of 2026 as Maritime Cooperation year make this perfect for How-Many-Correct format MCQs.

In News

What Happened

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated virtually in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit on October 26, 2025, hosted by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. During the summit, leaders announced 2026 as the 'ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation' and welcomed Timor-Leste as a new participating member. The summit also served as a platform to review the progress of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).

Why It Matters

The summit is crucial for advancing India's 'Act East Policy' and ensuring a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Designating a specific year for maritime cooperation strengthens security ties, while reviewing AITIGA is essential for reducing India's trade deficit with ASEAN nations and streamlining supply chains.

Background

History & Context

India's engagement with ASEAN started with the 'Look East Policy' in 1992, which was subsequently upgraded to the 'Act East Policy' in 2014 by PM Modi. In 2022, ASEAN-India relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) originally came into force in 2010, but Indian businesses faced non-tariff barriers and growing trade deficits, prompting a formal agreement to review and upgrade the pact by 2025.

What Changed

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BEFORE: Timor-Leste held an observer status in ASEAN and ASEAN-India meetings. NOW: Timor-Leste was formally welcomed as a new participating member in the summit, advancing its path to full ASEAN membership.
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BEFORE: Maritime security between India and ASEAN was a general pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership without a dedicated annual focus. NOW: 2026 has been officially designated the 'ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation' to drive targeted joint exercises and regional security initiatives.
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BEFORE: Negotiations for reviewing AITIGA were progressing slowly behind the scenes with a deadline set for 2025. NOW: The progress of the AITIGA review was formally evaluated at the head-of-state level to expedite the modernization of the trade agreement.

Prelims Angle

NCERT Connection

This event directly connects to Class 12 Political Science: Contemporary World Politics - Chapter 4: Alternative Centres of Power. The chapter highlights ASEAN's emergence as an influential economic and political bloc, and the summit illustrates India's strategic application of the 'Act East Policy' to engage with this alternative power center.

Practice Questions

Q1

Correct Statement(s)

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit? 1. The summit declared 2026 as the 'ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation'. 2. Timor-Leste was welcomed as a new participating member during the summit.

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