Kuala Lumpur: The 47th ASEAN Summit officially kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend virtually, leaders from ASEAN countries and key global partners are meeting in person from October 26-28.
In a recent social media post, PM Modi congratulated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Malaysia assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar is hosting more than 30 heads of state and government. Included are leaders from the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and South Africa. Notable attendees include US President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Among ASEAN representatives, leaders from Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, and Timor-Leste are participating. Timor-Leste is set to officially become ASEAN’s 11th member during the summit.
The summit will feature high-level discussions on trade, security, and regional stability. Key topics include:
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US tariffs and global trade policies, including the impact on ASEAN countries.
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Expansion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and ways to enhance trade.
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Regional security concerns, including tensions in the South China Sea and the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar.
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Statements on Gaza ceasefire, Myanmar civil conflict, and the rise of scam centres in Southeast Asia.
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Strategic discussions on access to rare earth minerals, critical for high-tech manufacturing, where China plays a dominant role.
Security measures are in full swing, with over 10,000 police officers deployed to protect the Malaysian capital and the attending dignitaries.
Leaders are hopeful that the summit will deliver positive outcomes on trade, regional peace, and collaboration. Furthermore, ASEAN will engage in summit-level talks with major dialogue partners, including the US, China, and Japan, to strengthen cooperation across economic, strategic, and technological fronts.
Overall, the 47th ASEAN Summit represents a critical platform for regional integration, strategic partnerships, and economic diplomacy, with PM Modi joining virtually to strengthen India’s ties with ASEAN nations.
–IANS
