Introduction
The 22nd ASEAN-India Summit was held on 26 October 2025. The meeting brought together ASEAN and Indian leaders to review progress in ASEAN-India relations and discuss initiatives for strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Under the Malaysian Chair’s theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ the Summit emphasised building resilient supply chains, advancing regional connectivity, and deepening cooperation across emerging sectors such as rare earths, semiconductors, critical minerals, and clean energy, among others.
ASEAN represents over USD 4 trillion in GDP and is India’s fourth-largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 11% of India’s total trade. As the Act East Policy evolves into a broader Indo-Pacific framework, this summit signals a shift from dialogue to delivery, linking India’s regional diplomacy with its industrial and technological strategy.
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Background: Evolution of ASEAN-India Partnership
- Early 1990s: Adoption of the ‘Look East Policy’.
- 1992: India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN, marking the formal beginning of institutional engagement.
- 1996: Upgraded to Dialogue Partner status, expanding cooperation.
- 2002: The relationship was elevated to Summit-Level Partnership, institutionalising annual ASEAN-India Summits.
- 2009: The ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement was signed, laying the foundation for trade integration.
- 2012: Upgraded to a Strategic Partnership, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations.
- 2015: The ASEAN-India Trade-in-Services and Investments Agreement was signed.
- 2022: Marked 30 years of dialogue relations and 10 years of strategic partnership, with leaders agreeing to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
- 2025: At the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, leaders reviewed progress in ASEAN-India relations and discussed initiatives for strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- The 2025 Summit also reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN Unity, ASEAN Centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.
- The partnership is guided by the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021-2025), which is now being extended through a new Plan of Action for 2026-2030.
- Institutional platforms driving cooperation include the ASEAN-India Summit, Ministerial Meetings, the East Asia Summit, and the ADMM-Plus mechanisms. These frameworks provide continuity and operational depth to India’s engagement with ASEAN, aligning diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation.
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ASEAN-India Trade and Economic Landscape
(Image: India-ASEAN Trade Trend (USD Million) 2016-2025)
(Data Source: Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GoI)
- ASEAN is among India’s top five trading partners, reflecting the bloc’s central role in India’s regional trade architecture.
- In 2024-25, India-ASEAN trade reached USD 123.12 billion, with imports worth USD 84.16 billion and exports worth USD 38.96 billion.
- Over the past decade, bilateral trade has shown steady growth, rising from USD 71.6 billion in 2016-17 to over USD 120 billion in 2024-25, even amid pandemic disruptions.
- Indian Exports to ASEAN are led by: Petroleum Products, Electric Machinery and Equipment, Ship, Boat and Floating Structures, Buffalo Meat and Marine Products, Drug Formulations, Biologicals, Residual Chemicals and Allied Products, Organic Chemicals, Auto Components/Parts, and Others.
- India’s Imports from ASEAN are dominated by: Coal, Coke and Briquettes, Vegetable Oils, Electronics Instruments, Electronics Components, Computer Hardware and Peripherals, Iron and Steel, Organic Chemicals, Plastic Raw Materials, Telecom Instruments, Other Precious and Base Metals, etc.
- Investment Trends: Singapore remains India’s largest FDI source; growing ASEAN investments in logistics, fintech, and clean energy.
- Sectors of Mutual Opportunity: Manufacturing, digital trade, infrastructure, semiconductors, rare earths, critical minerals, and tourism.
- Future Focus: Trade modernisation, digital corridors, cross-border value chains, and sustainable growth models.
The Indian Prime Minister has called for an early review of AITIGA to unlock full trade potential.
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Strategic and Connectivity Dimensions
- The Indian Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s support for ASEAN Unity, Centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. These remain central to India’s Act East and Indo-Pacific approach.
- 2026 was designated as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.” It will expand collaboration in the blue economy and maritime security.
- India proposed the Second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the Second Maritime Exercise to enhance maritime security. India will continue its role as a First Responder for disaster relief and humanitarian operations.
- Connectivity initiatives, including the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway, digital linkages, and logistics corridors, aim to strengthen trade and regional mobility.
- Training 400 renewable energy professionals for the ASEAN Power Grid reflects India’s support for the region’s energy transition.
Collectively, these initiatives reinforce India’s role as a security and development partner in a stable, inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Policy Outcomes of the ASEAN-India Summit 2025
- ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026-2030) to implement the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Joint Leaders’ Statement on Sustainable Tourism - marking the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.
- 2026 is designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation - focus on the blue economy.
- Centre for Southeast Asian Studies to be established at Nalanda University for academic collaboration.
- Training of 400 professionals to support the ASEAN Power Grid.
- Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) were extended to Timor-Leste.
- Expanded cooperation in education, energy, science, fintech, infrastructure, rare earths, and critical minerals.
- East Asia Summit Maritime Heritage Festival to be hosted at Lothal, Gujarat.
Implications for Indian Industry and Trade
- Trade Framework Modernisation: Early review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) may reshape tariff norms and rules of origin, creating new export opportunities in manufacturing and services.
- Strategic Value Chains: Cooperation in semiconductors, critical minerals, and renewable energy aligns with India’s Make in India and PLI objectives, supporting domestic capacity building.
- Maritime and Logistics Opportunities: Expanded maritime collaboration strengthens prospects in port logistics, shipbuilding, and coastal infrastructure.
- Knowledge and Capacity Building: The Nalanda Centre and Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) can foster academic-industry linkages and regional knowledge partnerships.
DhruvStar Industry Insights: What it Means for the Indian Industry
- Clarity on Trade Priorities: The Government may share timelines and sectoral focus areas for the AITIGA review to help industries plan investments and export strategies effectively.
- Prepare for the AITIGA Review: Manufacturers and exporters may want to review product lines and sourcing patterns proactively if the ASEAN-India FTA is updated.
- Build Joint Ventures in Key Sectors: Explore partnerships in semiconductors, renewable energy, and critical minerals with ASEAN firms to secure technology access and new markets.
- Use the Maritime Cooperation Year: Strengthen presence in port logistics, coastal infrastructure, and shipping services as maritime collaboration expands in 2026.
Conclusion
The 22nd ASEAN-India Summit reaffirmed India’s commitment to a stable and inclusive Indo-Pacific. With stronger ties in trade, technology, and maritime security, ASEAN and India are now moving from dialogue to action.
Sources
[1] PIB
[2] Ministry of Commerce & Industry, GoI
[3] Ministry of External Affairs, GoI
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