The 44th and 45th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits and other related summits were held in Vientiane, Laos, from October 8 to 11, 2024, under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), His Excellency Sonexay Siphandone; whereas, Singapore played the role of a country coordinator.
The theme of the summit was ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience, which aims to enhance connectivity through economic integration, forging an inclusive and sustainable future, and transforming for the digital era. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen resilience by supporting the development of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its strategic plans as well as promoting environmental cooperation, addressing women and children’s issues, and bolstering health systems.
ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the ASEAN Community, promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. Notably, the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025 achieved a 99.6 per cent implementation rate, while the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 completed 96 per cent of its measures. The ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 completed or has ongoing 99 per cent of its strategic measures. End-of-term reviews are underway for all three blueprints.
The ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 was handed over to Malaysia, and the Philippines was given the role of the new Country Coordinator.
Key Outcomes of the Summit
The member states discussed and unanimously decided to act on major issues such as cooperation in the areas of economy, politics, security, environmental issues besides sustainable development.
The leaders are committed to enhancing economic development and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Some over 90 documents were adopted, paving the way for coordination and connectivity to help develop a strong, innovative, flexible, and people-centric bloc.
The ASEAN chief also responded to participants’ questions on AI (artificial intelligence), green economy, and women’s representation of meetings, and so on.
Some Key Deliverables of the Summit
Integrating and connecting economies ASEAN leaders adopted the Declaration on Enhancing Supply Chain Connectivity to strengthen regional supply chain efficiency and resilience. The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Intellectual Property Cooperation was reviewed and upgraded, enhancing regional intellectual property capacity. ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to working with the World Intellectual Property Organization. Notably, the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Negotiations substantially concluded, and the Second Protocol to Amend the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area was signed. These initiatives deepen commitments in customs procedures, digital economy, green economy, and support businesses, especially micro, small, and medium enterprises, promoting innovation and competitiveness in the region.
Forging an inclusive and sustainable future ASEAN leaders adopted the Declaration on Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, encouraging sustainable practices. They endorsed ecotourism standards and committed to advancing regional interconnectivity through the ASEAN Power Grid. Additionally, the leaders expressed their aim to enhance financing access for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through digital infrastructure and financial literacy initiatives.
Transforming for the digital future ASEAN leaders made progress in trade facilitation through the ASEAN Single Window study and Digital Trade Standards Roadmap. The ASEAN Online Education Platform would offer Industry 4.0 courses. Implementation of Unique Business Identification Numbers has been under progress. Additionally, the Vang Vieng Declaration would promote cultural enterprises and green growth, preserving ASEAN’s cultural heritage.
ASEAN Community Vision 2045 ASEAN leaders adopted the Declaration on Developing Strategic Plans for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, affirming commitment to inclusive, participatory, and holistic development. Progress was noted in developing strategic plans for ASEAN Community pillars and connectivity. Various task forces and committees, such as High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision and the Ad Hoc Working Group on Development of ASCC Post-2025 Strategic Plan, were commended for their efforts. The ASEAN Future Forum 2024 contributed to regional cooperation and integration. Strategic plans for 2026–30 are underway, with finalisation expected by 2025.
Promoting environmental cooperation ASEAN leaders adopted joint statements on climate change and biodiversity, reaffirming commitment to global partnerships. They further launched the ASEAN Declaration on Plastic Circularity, addressing marine plastic debris, and promoted climate finance through the ASEAN Capacity Building Programme for Accessing Green Finance.
Women and children ASEAN leaders held the 3rd Women Leaders’ Summit, adopting the Declaration on Strengthening Care Economy and Resilience. Additionally, they convened the 8th Children’s Forum, focusing on the theme Children-led climate change actions, towards a resilient ASEAN community.
Health ASEAN leaders adopted the Declaration on Strengthening Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity, intensifying initiatives against infectious diseases. They further prioritised ending AIDS (acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome) by 2030 through enhanced HIV (human immuno-deficiency virus) prevention, treatment, and community support.
ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) ASEAN leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, stability, and prosperity, amid geopolitical tensions. They adopted the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific Declaration, promoting inclusive cooperation and strategic partnerships. Additionally, ASEAN enhanced engagement with Indian Ocean Rim Association and Pacific Islands Forum through memoranda of understanding and dialogues.
Advancing sustainable development in ASEAN ASEAN reaffirmed commitment to sustainable development cooperation, promoting complementarity between ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and the 2030 Agenda. Thailand’s leadership and the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue were commended. The 2024 ASEAN Forum on SDGs held from October 31 to November 1, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.
Initiative for ASEAN integration and sub-regional cooperation. ASEAN reaffirmed its commitment to narrowing development gaps, enhancing regional competitiveness, and promoting equitable economic growth through initiatives like Initiative for ASEAN Integration Work Plans and Reframed Strategies.
ASEAN leaders emphasised unity and centrality in sub-regional development, recognising its role in narrowing the development gap and fostering integration. Key initiatives include the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy, the Brunei Darussalam Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area, Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle, and the Singapore-Johor-Riau Growth Triangles.
ASEAN Connectivity and smart as well as and villages network ASEAN leaders commended efforts to implement Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, enhancing regional connectivity and supply chain resilience. They appreciated external partners’ support, emphasising connectivity’s importance in ASEAN community-building and their steadfast support to the implementation of MPAC 2025.
ASEAN Smart Cities Network has further advanced smart, sustainable urban development, expanding member cities, hosting conferences, and launching Phase II of ASEAN Sustainable Urbanisation Strategy.
ASEAN commended Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN Villages Network, fostering grassroots cooperation, village tourism, digital innovation, and economic revitalisation, with external partner collaboration and support.
ASEAN political-security community ASEAN reaffirmed the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation as central to regional peace and welcomed the recent accession of Luxembourg, with other countries expected to join soon. ASEAN further stressed the importance of disarmament, calling on nuclear weapon states to meet their obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and promoting the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone Treaty.
While addressing transnational crime, ASEAN highlighted recent measures, including anti-trafficking declarations, and is working towards renewing its action plan on transnational crime. Drug control efforts were reinforced, supporting a zero-tolerance policy towards illicit drugs. ASEAN law and justice bodies have made progress on the ASEAN Extradition Treaty to enhance regional crime prevention.
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting discussed defence cooperation, peacekeeping, and cybersecurity. ASEAN further celebrated the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights’ contributions to human rights and the planned ASEAN Extradition Treaty. The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre focused on mine action as crucial for post-conflict recovery.
ASEAN reinforced its commitment to maritime cooperation under UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and emphasised the peaceful use of outer space. Through these initiatives, ASEAN has been continuously putting efforts to advance peace, security, and regional stability.
ASEAN economic community ASEAN’s economic strength has been continuous in 2024 too with a projected growth of 4.5 per cent, rising to 4.7 per cent in 2025, despite global economic challenges. Merchandise trade and investment figures have remained high, with total trade at US$ 3.5 trillion and investments at US$ 229.8 billion. ASEAN aims to promote transformative sectors, focusing on digital and green economies to enhance its position as a regional growth leader. Notable progress includes the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) upgradation, anticipated to be comprehensive and ready by 2025, and the ASEAN Authorised Economic Operator arrangement, fostering a more transparent trade environment.
Digital initiatives have been advancing under the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 and the Bandar Seri Begawan Roadmap for digital transformation, with achievements like standardising e-invoicing and enhancing cybersecurity through regional collaboration. ASEAN has committed to simplifying e-commerce data exchanges to support the growing volume of digital transactions.
In sustainability, ASEAN has been working towards carbon neutrality with renewable energy projects and carbon capture technologies. Additionally, ASEAN’s circular economy framework and sustainable finance initiatives, such as the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, have highlighted the efforts towards environmental goals. The ASEAN Blue Economy framework has been promoting responsible ocean resource management.
ASEAN further emphasises its inclusivity with frameworks for MSME development, investment guidelines, and the ASEAN SME Policy Index 2024. The recently updated ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement and competition policies would encourage transparent investment and fair business practices. By driving economic resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability, ASEAN has been reinforcing its role as a dynamic and collaborative regional entity.
ASEAN socio-cultural community In 2024, ASEAN pursued sustainable development with initiatives in education, labour rights, health, and environmental conservation. The ASEAN-SEAMEO (Southeast Asian Ministers’ of Education Organisation) Declaration has been focusing on inclusive higher education, and the Vientiane Statement has been promoting climate resilience in early childhood care. Additionally, progress has been made on human resource development through the ASEAN Declaration on Human Resource Development for the changing workforce.
Labour initiatives have emphasised fair work and safety standards, with recognition for workplaces supporting inclusivity and safety. ASEAN advanced protections for migrant workers, has enacted green job frameworks, and intensified efforts to eliminate child labour. Health priorities have been included for strengthening the public health emergency response with the ASEAN Public Health Emergency Coordination System and increasing disaster preparedness.
ASEAN has taken environmental actions centred on biodiversity conservation through the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan. It has further established ASEAN Centre for Climate Change, and put in efforts to combat transboundary haze. ASEAN has reinforced disaster resilience, marking the Indian Ocean Tsunami anniversary with new policies on emergency response.
ASEAN external relations ASEAN has highlighted the importance of unity, centrality, and cooperation with external partners in order to foster a transparent and resilient regional framework rooted in international law. ASEAN has been anticipating for the renewal of key cooperation plans by 2026 and expanding its ties globally. Ongoing efforts of ASEAN have been aimed towards the strengthening of ASEAN’s global influence and enhancement of regional stability.
ASEAN emphasised the ASEAN Plus Three framework’s role in regional stability and growth, highlighting progress on the APT Cooperation Work Plan 2023–27. It welcomed strengthened initiatives like financial stability and disaster response, anticipating the 22nd East Asia Forum.
ASEAN noted progress in Sectoral Dialogue Partnerships with Brazil, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey and the UAE. It welcomed Peru as a new Development Partner.
Regional and international issues ASEAN has expressed its concerns over South China Sea tensions, reaffirming the need for mutual trust, self-restraint, peaceful dispute resolution, and adherence to international law, including 1982 UNCLOS, for regional stability.
ASEAN expressed its concern over Korean Peninsula tensions and urged peaceful dialogue and compliance with the UNSC resolutions for denuclearisation.
ASEAN condemned violence in Myanmar and urged immediate cessation, and reaffirmed its commitment to Five-Point Consensus for peaceful resolution.
ASEAN reaffirmed Ukraine’s sovereignty and called for ceasefire, in compliance with international law, and unhindered humanitarian access.
ASEAN condemned Gaza attacks and urged for a ceasefire. It further demanded for hostage release, and called for humanitarian access, while supporting a two-state solution and compliance with international law and human rights.
India and ASEAN Relationship
India’s relationship with ASEAN dates back to 1990s when the country’s Look East Policy was introduced. India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992, and in 1995, India became a full dialogue partner. The relationship was further elevated to summit level in 2002.
On October 10, 2024, the 21st ASEAN-India Summit was held in Vientiang, Lao PDR, along with ASEAN Summit 2024.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended, alongside leaders from ASEAN Member States and the Secretary-General of ASEAN. The Prime Minister of Timor-Leste attended as an observer. The summit provided a platform for strengthening ASEAN-India relations and discussing future cooperation, marking a significant milestone in their comprehensive strategic partnership.
Some Highlights of the ASEAN-India Summit
ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership The leaders expressed their satisfaction with the progress of ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership noting good implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2021–25). Additionally, they looked forward to developing a new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–30) to guide the partnership’s future growth and realisation of its full potential. The parties agreed to explore practical cooperation opportunities, particularly in the four priority areas of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. They further adopted a Joint Statement on Strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reaffirming India’s support for ASEAN centrality and unity, and its commitment to working closely through ASEAN-led mechanisms under its Act East Policy.
Defence and security India’s active participation in ASEAN defence and security forums was noted by the leaders of the participating countries. India successfully co-chaired the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus Experts’ Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief with Indonesia from 2021–24, conducting exercises in Yogyakarta, Indonesia in 2023. India would co-chair the ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia from 2024–27. Additionally, India participates in the ASEAN Regional Forum, co-chairing the Inter-Sessional Meeting on Maritime Security alongside Indonesia, Cambodia, China, and the United States from 2022–26.
Transnational crime ASEAN-India have strengthened collaboration in combating transnational crime through the ASEAN plus India Senior Officials’ Meeting on Transnational Crime Consultation framework and guided by the Work Plan on cooperation to fight transnational crime (2023–27), focusing on five priority areas: terrorism, illicit drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and international economic crime.
Economic cooperation ASEAN-India welcomed the progress in reviewing ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, aiming for mutually beneficial, user-friendly, and trade facilitative outcomes, targeting completion by 2025 to boost bilateral trade.
Cooperation in agriculture and forestry, focusing on food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience are encouraged. Initiatives included the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement, ASEAN-India Millet Festival, and Fellowship for Higher Education in Agriculture and Allied Sciences.
Collaboration in FinTech partnership, enhancing financial connectivity through digital payments are welcomed. Initiatives included ASEAN-India Annual Financial Dialogue, Fund for Digital Future, and Reserve Bank of India’s participation in ASEAN Project Nexus network.
The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and India’s Centre for WTO Studies were landed for conducting joint study in regards to ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Review that will enhance trade benefits between ASEAN and India.
Climate change and UNSDGs ASEAN and India would strengthen cooperation on climate change and transboundary haze pollution. They would support the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change and collaborate on joint research, policy development, and analysis. Its cooperation is further expected to focus on establishing the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution, implementing the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. India and ASEAN reaffirmed their commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, aligning ASEAN Community Vision 2025 with UN 2030 Agenda. They decided to explore innovative approaches like Bio-Circular-Green Economy for sustainable development.
Digital cooperation ASEAN and India have been strengthening digital cooperation through the ASEAN-India Digital Workplan. The summit adopted the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation as a means to promote inclusivity, efficiency, and innovation in public service delivery; connecting individuals, communities, industries, organisations and countries across geographies through digital means. They are focusing on information, communication and technology capacity building, digital initiatives, and innovation, as outlined in the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Advancing Digital Transformation.
Cultural ties and education India and ASEAN strengthen cultural ties through initiatives like the ASEAN Cultural Heritage List, youth summits, media exchanges, artist camps, and university faculty programmes, marking a decade of India’s Act East Policy, which was highly appreciated. India’s support in education exchanges through the two-year Master Programme at Nalanda University for the benefit of ASEAN students since 2015 was applauded.
Disaster management and capacity building The leaders encouraged India and ASEAN to strengthen disaster management partnership, with India pledging US$ 5 million to support ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response. India’s support for capacity-building of Timor-Leste officials so that Timor-Leste could fulfil all the criteria and milestones in the Roadmap for Timor-Leste’s Full Membership in ASEAN was highly commended.
Connectivity and tourism India and ASEAN committed to strengthen connectivity cooperation, with India supporting the MPAC, 2025 and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway as well as its extension to Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam enhancing physical and digital links. The leaders have expressed their desire that India should support in the development of the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan for the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its future implementation.
ASEAN and India reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. They stressed on the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of parties in its entirety for the promotion of peaceful dispute resolution, self-restrain, and adherence to international law, including UNCLOS, for the maintenance of a sea of peace, stability, and prosperity.
India and ASEAN declared 2025 as the Year of Tourism, with India pledging US$ five million to support joint tourism initiatives under the ASEAN-India Tourism Work Plan (2023–27), focusing on cruise tourism.
Regional issues ASEAN and India expressed deep concern over Myanmar’s escalating conflicts and humanitarian crisis. They reaffirmed support for the ASEAN leaders’ five-point consensus, calling for immediate cessation of violence, protection of civilians, and inclusive national dialogue. They welcomed the ASEAN leaders’ review and decision to implement the consensus.
Indian Prime Minister at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s support for ASEAN unity and centrality, highlighting Act East Policy successes, including doubled trade to US$ 130 billion and increased connectivity, and called for a timely review of the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement.
The prime minister shared 10 suggestions at the summit, aligning with the theme Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience. The suggestions highlighted on (i) declaring 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism; (ii) commemorating a decade of India’s Act East Policy; (iii) holding ASEAN–India Women Scientists’ Conclave under ‘India-ASEAN Science and Technology Fund; (iv) doubling the number of scholarships of Nalanda University and launching a new scholarship scheme for ASEAN students at India’s agriculture universities; (v) reviewing ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025; (vi) enhancing disaster resilience fund to which India would contribute US$ 5 million; (vii) working on health resilience through a health ministers’ track; (viii) encouraging digital and cyber resilience; (ix) conducting workshops on green hydrogen to promote green future; and (x) promoting climate resilience through the campaign Ek Ped Maa ke Naam (a plant for mother).
These initiatives demonstrate India’s commitment to strengthening her partnership with ASEAN, focusing on people-centric activities, economic cooperation, and sustainable development.
Conclusion
The 2024 Summit represents a significant opportunity for leaders across regions to reaffirm their commitments to a strong and cooperative partnership.
By focusing on economic cooperation, defence, security, cultural ties, and other key themes, the summit also addressed some challenges such as South China Sea, Korean Peninsula, Myanmar conflicts, among others.
As the world’s fastest-growing economic region, ASEAN’s ability to work together to address these issues will determine its success in coming times.
The collective efforts of ASEAN and India will be crucial in fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development for generations to come.
Through continued cooperation and a commitment to regional unity, ASEAN can help shape a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for all its member states.
About ASEAN
ASEAN is a political and economic union of 10 countries located in Southeast Asia.
ASEAN was founded on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, by five countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. In the following years, ASEAN expanded to include Brunei Darussalam (1984), Vietnam (1995), Lao PDR and Myanmar (1997), and Cambodia (1999).
The ASEAN Charter, which came into force on December 15, 2008, provides ASEAN with legal status and an institutional framework. It codifies ASEAN’s norms, rules, and values, sets clear targets, and ensures accountability and compliance among member states.
The ASEAN Summit is the highest decision-making body of ASEAN, consisting of the Heads of State or Government of its member states. The first ASEAN Summit was held in Bali, Indonesia, on February 23–24, 1976.
The ASEAN Motto is One Vision, One Identity, One Community. ASEAN Day is observed on August 8 every year.
To date, ASEAN has established Dialogue Partnerships with Australia, Canada, China, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States. ASEAN has also established Sectoral Dialogue Partnerships with countries such as Brazil, Morocco, Norway, Pakistan, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates.
© Spectrum Books Pvt Ltd.
