20TH EAST ASIA SUMMIT
- The 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, reaffirming its enduring commitment to multilateralism, international law, and collective peacebuilding.
- The summit adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Peace and Stability (2025) — a landmark reaffirmation of the EAS’s founding principles and its role in maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
- It also commemorated 20 years of the EAS, reaffirming earlier milestone declarations that have shaped its evolution.
CONTINUITY OF COMMITMENTS
The 2025 Declaration reaffirmed earlier foundational instruments:
- 2005 Kuala Lumpur Declaration – Vision and principles establishing the EAS.
- 2010 Ha Noi Declaration – 5th Anniversary of EAS.
- 2015 Kuala Lumpur Declaration – 10th Anniversary.
- 2020 Ha Noi Declaration – 15th Anniversary.
- 2011 Bali Principles Declaration – Principles for Mutually Beneficial Relations.
These collectively form the core constitutional framework of the East Asia Summit.
ABOUT EAST ASIA SUMMIT
MEMBERSHIP
- ASEAN-10: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Plus 8 Partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.
Collective Stats (2024):
- ~53% of the world’s population
- ~60% of global GDP
INDIA & EAST ASIA SUMMIT
- Founding Member of the EAS (since 2005).
- Considers EAS a key pillar of its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
- Platform for India to engage major powers and promote free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific cooperation.
- At the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit (Kuala Lumpur, 2025), India declared 2026 as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation to deepen ties in:
- Blue Economy
- Maritime Security & Connectivity
- Sustainable Fisheries and Disaster Management.
MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS OF 2025 DECLARATION
| Theme | Key Provisions |
| 1. Commitment to Multilateralism & International Law | Reaffirmed dedication to UN Charter, ASEAN Charter, and the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) as guiding instruments. |
| 2. Recognition of Global Challenges | Acknowledged the impact of geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, security threats, and transboundary issues; called for collective global response. |
| 3. ASEAN Unity & Centrality | Reaffirmed ASEAN as the driving force within the EAS and the broader regional architecture. |
| 4. Peaceful Dispute Resolution | Emphasized dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law — including UNCLOS 1982 — to resolve regional disputes. |
| 5. Strengthening EAS Framework | Called for continued implementation of the EAS Plan of Action (2024–2028) and maintenance of the forum’s informal, consultative nature. |
| 6. Roles of EAS Mechanisms | Acknowledged the work of the EAS Foreign Ministers, Senior Officials, EAS Ambassadors in Jakarta, and the EAS Unit within ASEAN Secretariat for coordination and policy continuity. |
| 7. Economic Cooperation & Resilience | Reaffirmed cooperation to enhance regional resilience, sustainable development, and reduction of development gaps. |
| 8. ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) | Reiterated support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) — promoting inclusivity, connectivity, and community-building in the Indo-Pacific. |
| 9. Dialogue & Cooperation | Emphasized that the EAS will remain a leader-led, open forum for candid, constructive, and cooperative dialogue on political, economic, and strategic issues. |
| 10. Vision for the Future | Reaffirmed the EAS as a cornerstone of regional peace, committed to upholding mutual respect, equality, partnership, and consultation. |
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DECLARATION
| Domain | Significance |
| Strategic | Reinforces ASEAN’s central role in Indo-Pacific security architecture. |
| Diplomatic | Provides a platform for major powers (India, US, China, Russia, Japan) to engage constructively. |
| Legal | Reaffirms the UN Charter and international law as non-negotiable principles. |
| Economic | Encourages regional cooperation, resilient supply chains, and sustainable growth. |
| Maritime | Strengthens regional commitment to freedom of navigation, Blue Economy, and maritime cooperation. |
INDIA’S TAKEAWAYS
- India reiterated its support for ASEAN centrality and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
- India’s 2026 Year of Maritime Cooperation aligns with EAS’s renewed focus on peaceful maritime governance.
- EAS complements India’s broader engagements — Quad, IORA, and ASEAN-led mechanisms.
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