The 27th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting (AISOM) took place in Manila on 12th March 2025. It was co-chaired by Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar and Undersecretary MA. Theresa P. Lazaro of the Philippines. Senior officials from all ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste (holding Observer Status in ASEAN) came together with the Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN to review the developments on key decisions made during the ASEAN-India Summit and Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. The outcomes were reviewed across the three pillars of engagement, namely- political security, economic, and socio-cultural.
The Philippines is the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations. Minister Lazaro emphasised India’s leading position in the Global South and appreciated its commendable adherence to ASEAN centrality and international order. She further highlighted that India’s commitment to the ASEAN makes it a dependable partner in advancing regional peace, human rights, and prosperity in Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
Various discussions commenced at the platform, ranging from tourism cooperation, trade agreements, digital and maritime connectivity, and health partnerships, to early completion of the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), and innovation and development projects. The officials also held talks on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The leaders outlined the advancement made in the 10-point proposal announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 21st ASEAN-India Summit in 2024 and appreciated the progress that has taken place till now. The proposal is meant to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and India even further, including designating 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.
Secretary Mazumdar underlined the importance of ASEAN for India’s Act East Policy and its wider vision for the Indo-Pacific. The meeting brought about discussions for the preparations of the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit, including the adoption of the new ASEAN-India Plan of Action (POA) for 2026-2030 and the ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers’ Meeting- which are to be held in Malaysia later in the year. The members of ASEAN also expressed their gratitude to India for its constant support to ASEAN and ASEAN-led activities in the region.
In the sidelines, Secretary Mazumdar called on the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, Enrique A. Manalo, to discuss the growing bilateral relations and enhanced cooperation between the Philippines and India. The former also thanked Secretary Manalo for confirming his presence at the 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi from 17th – 19th March 2025. During their meeting, the two Ministers discussed diverse areas of cooperation including agriculture, defence, infrastructure, financing for development initiatives, health, and tourism.
In summary, the 27th AISOM underscored the commitment of both ASEAN and India to enhance their multifaceted partnership, focusing on sustainable development, regional stability, and mutual prosperity.
