The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit is underway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, running from October 26 to October 28. This edition has garnered significant global attention due to several key developments and high-profile attendees.
A major highlight is the successful culmination of East Timor's 14-year effort to join the bloc. The nation, also known as Timor-Leste, officially became ASEAN's 11th member state, with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao participating in the summit. This step, which follows its observer status granted in 2022, was celebrated by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as completing the "ASEAN family." Timor-Leste, which gained independence from Indonesia in 2002, still faces considerable challenges, including high inequality, infrastructure deficits, and human resource development issues critical for full participation in ASEAN's economic community.
United States President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia to attend the summit, a meeting he had previously bypassed multiple times. His packed agenda includes crucial trade talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. Additionally, Trump is scheduled to sign a trade deal with Malaysia and intends to meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on the sidelines to improve bilateral ties. A significant achievement announced by the US President is the imminent signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, taking place in his presence. This deal follows the deadly military clashes between the two nations earlier this year, which resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Trump's Asia tour will continue with visits to Japan and South Korea, and he indicated he is open to a potential meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Meanwhile, a much-anticipated face-to-face meeting between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, intended to address the ongoing tariff dispute, will not occur. India announced that Modi would attend the regional gathering virtually instead of travelling to Kuala Lumpur, citing scheduling conflicts and the ongoing Deepavali festival celebrations. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at key meetings, including the East Asian Summit on October 27.
The biannual ASEAN summit serves as a platform for member states Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, and now East Timor to discuss economic, political, and socio-cultural matters affecting the region.

Trade talks, a peace deal, and a new member state headline the highly-anticipated ASEAN

US, China, India Focus as East Timor Joins ASEAN

Trade talks, a peace deal, and a new member state headline the highly-anticipated ASEAN

October 26, 2025 | 13:27 IST