Kuala Lumpur | October 26,2025 | SKY LINK TIMES
47th ASEAN Summit 2025:
The 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit officially began in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” The three-day event (Oct 26–28) brings together over 30 global leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is participating virtually due to scheduling constraints.
Table of Contents
Global Leaders Assemble for Regional Cooperation
The summit, hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, marks Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. Leaders and representatives from across the globe — including US President Donald Trump, China’s Premier Li Qiang, Japan’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung, and Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva — have gathered to discuss economic, political, and security challenges in the Asia-Pacific.
In a post on social media earlier this week, PM Modi congratulated Anwar Ibrahim for assuming the ASEAN chairmanship and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Trade, Tariffs, and Rare Earths Dominate Agenda
A central issue at this year’s summit is US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day Tariffs”, which have reshaped global trade since April. Tariffs currently range from 10–20% for most ASEAN members, with higher rates for Brunei (25%), Laos, and Myanmar (40%).
China’s retaliatory restrictions on rare earth mineral exports, vital for global tech manufacturing, are also expected to dominate discussions. Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim emphasized expanding participation in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which already represents nearly one-third of global GDP.
Peace, Security & Humanitarian Concerns
Beyond economics, leaders will deliberate on the South China Sea tensions, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and Myanmar’s civil unrest. ASEAN has excluded Myanmar’s military junta from participation since the 2021 coup.
Trump is also scheduled to attend a state dinner with ASEAN leaders and witness the signing of a peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand, following border clashes earlier this year.
Also Read:https://skylinktimes.in/india-australia-defence-ties-deepen/
Global Representation and Broader Goals
Among attendees are UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, World Bank, and IMF officials, alongside European Council President Antonio Costa.
Timor-Leste is set to officially become ASEAN’s 11th member, a move widely welcomed by the bloc.
The summit is expected to conclude with a joint declaration on regional peace, trade cooperation, and an ASEAN statement on the Gaza ceasefire, highlighting the bloc’s growing voice on global humanitarian issues.
Conclusion
With pressing global challenges like trade wars, energy security, and regional peace on the table, the 47th ASEAN Summit 2025 stands as a defining moment for Southeast Asia’s role in the global order. PM Modi’s virtual participation underscores India’s strategic engagement with the region, as ASEAN continues to champion “inclusivity and sustainability” amid shifting global dynamics.
For More Info Stay Tuned: https://skylinktimes.in
