.png "22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations–India Summit")
- It was co‑chaired by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (who joined virtually).
- The broader ASEAN Summit 2025 ran under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
- Theme: “Inclusivity and Sustainability” (ASEAN Summit 2025 theme, applied to ASEAN–India dialogue)
- Aim: To review the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), strengthen cooperation in trade, connectivity, digital transformation, maritime security, renewable energy, and people‑to‑people ties.
- Maritime Cooperation: PM Modi declared 2026 as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, focusing on Indo‑Pacific security, blue economy, and sustainable development.
- Strategic Partnership: Leaders reviewed progress in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), elevated in 2022.
- Timor‑Leste Membership: Welcomed Democratic Republic of Timor‑Leste as the 11th ASEAN member.
- Act East Policy: India reaffirmed ASEAN’s centrality in its Act East Policy and Indo‑Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- Shared Vision: PM Modi linked ASEAN’s Community Vision 2045 with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 goals, stressing that the 21st century belongs to ASEAN and India.
- Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Leaders discussed reviewing the ASEAN–India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) to make it more balanced and beneficial.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino launched the FIFA ASEAN Cup. Its aim is to boost Southeast Asian football, unite the region, and enhance competitiveness on the global stage.
Question:
Q.1 Which country was welcomed as the 11th member of ASEAN during the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit 2025?a) Myanmar
b) Timor-Leste
c) Papua New Guinea
d) Fiji
Answer: b) The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste was formally welcomed as ASEAN’s 11th member.
