India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar took part in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where the agenda focused on sustainable tourism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering virtually. Jaishankar also held side meetings with counterparts from Japan, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
The meeting was part of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 26 to 28 October 2025 under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” Malaysia, as chair, also hosted the 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Summit, the first leaders’ meeting since the RCEP agreement took effect in 2022. An earlier round, the 46th summit, had run on 26 and 27 May.
Trade deals signed and announced
Most of the news was commercial. The ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 upgrade protocol was signed during the 28th ASEAN-China Summit, with Premier Li Qiang and Anwar Ibrahim looking on. It covers digital and green economies and supply chain connectivity.
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung attended the 26th ASEAN-Korea Summit, where Malaysia and Korea concluded talks on their bilateral free trade agreement. It will be Malaysia’s 19th such pact.
Other partners brought their own offers:
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced an AUD 20 billion investment pipeline across Southeast Asia. Canada’s Mark Carney said Ottawa wants to finish negotiations on a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement by 2025 and announce it by 2026, with energy, small modular reactors, defence and investment in focus. New Zealand’s Christopher Luxon marked 50 years of dialogue relations and said he wanted the Malaysia-New Zealand trade agreement review done by the end of 2025. Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk spoke of investing in connectivity with ASEAN.
European Council President António Costa said the EU intends to lift its ties with ASEAN to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership by 2027.
On the sidelines, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng reached a “framework deal” on TikTok’s U.S. operations, rare earths and reciprocal tariffs.
New member, new chair
At the opening ceremony the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste was signed, making it the 11th ASEAN member. Malaysia handed the chairmanship to the Philippines, which takes over on 1 January 2026.
Sources
- 2025 ASEAN Summits – Wikipedia
- Malaysia hosts 47th ASEAN Summit under theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’
