The 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur brings together global leaders to address trade tensions, regional security, and diplomatic breakthroughs. With Donald Trump attending in person and Narendra Modi joining virtually, the summit features a Cambodia-Thailand peace accord, East Timor’s ASEAN entry, and renewed focus on Indo-Pacific cooperation.
The 47th ASEAN Summit kicked off in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025, drawing world leaders from across Asia and beyond for three days of high-stakes diplomacy. Hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the summit’s agenda reflects the region’s shifting geopolitical landscape, with trade, peace, and strategic partnerships taking center stage.
Key Highlights
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US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia to oversee the signing of a peace accord between Thailand and Cambodia, calling it a “momentous day” for Southeast Asian stability
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the summit virtually, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
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Modi’s absence from in-person trade talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping has drawn attention amid ongoing tariff disputes
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External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is representing India at the East Asia Summit, scheduled for October 27
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East Timor officially joined ASEAN as its 11th member, concluding a 14-year campaign for inclusion
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The summit also features discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and digital infrastructure development
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Leaders from Brazil, Canada, Japan, and China are participating, underscoring ASEAN’s global relevance
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Malaysia’s leadership emphasized ASEAN’s unity and neutrality amid rising global polarization
The summit’s outcomes are expected to influence trade flows, diplomatic alignments, and peace-building efforts across the Indo-Pacific. With symbolic gestures like the Cambodia-Thailand accord and strategic moves like East Timor’s entry, ASEAN is positioning itself as a stabilizing force in a fragmented world.
Sources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, India Today, Financial Express