ASEAN Summit 2025: India Between Quad and BRICS
Why in the news
PM Modi was expected at the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Kuala Lumpur, where Quad and BRICS leaders were present or observing.
| ASEAN | Quad | BRICS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature | Regional body for growth, stability, cooperation | Informal grouping for a free, open Indo-Pacific | Emerging economies seeking multipolar governance and South-South cooperation |
| Origin | 1967, Bangkok Declaration | 2007; revived 2017 | 2009 as BRIC; South Africa joined 2010 |
| Members | 10 | 4 (India, US, Japan, Australia) | 5 (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) |
| Base / bodies | Jakarta | – | NDB (Shanghai); CRA |
Key facts
- ASEAN members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia.
- Frameworks: AFTA, ASEAN Connectivity 2025, AOIP (fits India’s Act East Policy).
- India-ASEAN cooperation: trade, India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway, digital, maritime security, education.
- Quad themes: maritime security, AI and semiconductors, climate, Vaccine Partnership, resilient supply chains.
Exam angle
- ASEAN HQ Jakarta; NDB HQ Shanghai; Quad revived 2017.