Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)

ASEAN Latest News

The Prime Minister decided not to travel to Malaysia to attend the 47th ASEAN summit and will attend it virtually.

About ASEAN

• It is an inter-governmental regional organisation formed to promote political, economic, and security cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.
• Established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration, its founding members were Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• ASEAN currently has 10 member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
• Headquarters: Jakarta, Indonesia
• The ASEAN Community comprises three pillars: the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community and the Socio-Cultural Community.
• Two of its core operating principles are consensual decision-making and noninterference in the internal affairs of its members.
• In line with ASEAN centrality, ASEAN sees itself as a platform for intergovernmental cooperation throughout the entire Asia-Pacific.

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Institutional Mechanisms of ASEAN

• The ASEAN Summit is held annually, where member states discuss regional developments and set strategic policy directions. It is chaired by a rotating presidency.
• The ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) monitors the implementation of agreements and decisions, ensuring alignment across the member states.
• The ASEAN Secretariat, located in Jakarta, acts as the administrative body supporting and facilitating ASEAN’s initiatives, coordination, and documentation.
• The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is a key platform for dialogue on political and security issues involving both member countries and external partners.
  • India joined the ARF in 1996, marking its formal inclusion in ASEAN-led security dialogue mechanisms.

Source: TH