Kuala Lumpur, October 27, 2025 – During the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met his Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Haji Hasan on Monday to discuss the growing bilateral cooperation and the current situation in Myanmar. The two leaders held an in-depth conversation on regional stability, trade opportunities, and shared concerns over the political turmoil in Myanmar.
Bilateral Meeting Highlights: Strengthening India-Malaysia Ties
The meeting between Dr. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Mohamad Haji Hasan reflected the deep and evolving partnership between India and Malaysia. Both nations reviewed the progress made in recent years in areas such as trade, technology, cultural exchanges, and defense cooperation. They also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties under the framework of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Dr. Jaishankar, representing India at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, extended warm wishes for the success of the summit and appreciated Malaysia’s leadership as the host nation. Malaysia is presiding over this year’s summit from October 26 to 28, 2025, with the theme “Inclusivity and Stability.”
Focus on Myanmar’s Ongoing Crisis
A key part of the discussion centered around the deteriorating situation in Myanmar. Since the military coup in 2021, the country has faced widespread unrest, displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis. Both leaders shared their concerns over the prolonged instability and the impact it has had on the ASEAN region.
Dr. Jaishankar noted India’s continued support for restoring peace and democracy in Myanmar through dialogue and diplomacy. “Had a warm meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Haji Hasan. Conveyed best wishes for the success of ASEAN and East Asia Summits. Discussed progress in our bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar,” Jaishankar wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Representing India at the 20th East Asia Summit
Dr. Jaishankar is representing Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit being held alongside the ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur. The East Asia Summit brings together major regional powers to discuss peace, prosperity, and strategic challenges across the Indo-Pacific region.
According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, the summit provides an important opportunity to deliberate on issues related to regional stability, security, and sustainable growth. It also serves as a platform for exchanging views on international developments that directly affect the Indo-Pacific.
Meeting with New Zealand’s Prime Minister
Before his bilateral with Malaysia, Dr. Jaishankar met New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on the sidelines of the ASEAN 2025 meetings. In a cordial exchange, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Modi’s warm greetings and congratulations to Luxon.
Sharing the update on X, the External Affairs Minister wrote, “Delighted to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the ASEAN 2025 meetings. Conveyed warm greetings from PM Narendra Modi. Welcomed his commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation and to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
This meeting underlined the growing engagement between India and New Zealand, especially in areas like renewable energy, trade, and maritime security.
Engagements with Singapore and Thailand
In addition to these meetings, Dr. Jaishankar also held discussions with his counterparts from Singapore and Thailand during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. His meeting with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan focused on expanding cooperation between the two countries in technology, finance, and regional connectivity.
Sharing details of the conversation, Dr. Jaishankar posted on X, “Glad to meet Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Bala. Had a very useful exchange on the global and regional landscape, as well as opportunities to strengthen India-Singapore collaboration.”
He also met with the Foreign Minister of Thailand, where discussions revolved around boosting cultural exchanges, tourism, and economic partnerships. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
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ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur: A Platform for Regional Stability
The ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur serves as a key diplomatic forum bringing together leaders from Southeast Asia and partner nations to address regional and global challenges. With Malaysia hosting this year’s summit, the focus remains on fostering inclusivity, stability, and sustainable development in the ASEAN region.
India, as a strategic partner of ASEAN, continues to play an active role in promoting regional peace and economic cooperation. Dr. Jaishankar’s series of high-level meetings underscore India’s commitment to strengthening its relations not only with Malaysia but with the broader ASEAN community.
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India’s Growing Role in the Indo-Pacific
India’s participation in the ASEAN and East Asia Summits highlights its strategic vision for a Free, Open, and Inclusive Indo-Pacific. Through active engagement, New Delhi seeks to enhance connectivity, economic integration, and maritime cooperation with Southeast Asian countries.
The discussions in Kuala Lumpur also reaffirm India’s position as a reliable partner in addressing shared challenges such as climate change, maritime security, and regional stability.
Summary: ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur
The ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur has become a crucial platform for India to reaffirm its regional partnerships and voice its stance on major geopolitical issues, especially the crisis in Myanmar. Dr. S. Jaishankar’s meetings with leaders from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and New Zealand not only strengthen bilateral ties but also emphasize India’s growing diplomatic influence across the Indo-Pacific region.
