About the Youth Summit

India and ASEAN share deep-rooted cultural, historical and economic ties. India’s “Act East Policy” (AEP) prioritizes ASEAN as a key partner in boosting regional connectivity and strengthening mutual economic growth. Today, India and ASEAN cooperate on trade, climate change, connectivity, digital transformation, maritime security and education. Harnessing the power of the demographic dividend is an essential cornerstone of this partnership. 65% of the population in India and many ASEAN countries is below the age of 35. The youth are the agents of innovation, growth and diplomacy.

Commemorating 25 years of relations between India and ASEAN in 2017, India Foundation, in collaboration with ASEAN Secretariat, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the Government of Madhya Pradesh, organised the 1st ASEAN-India Youth Summit in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The Summit witnessed participation of 100 young delegates from all 10 ASEAN Countries and 75 young delegates from India. Since then, the ASEAN-India Youth Summit has been serving as a significant platform for young leaders from both regions to connect and discuss important aspects of their relationship. The aim of organising these summits is to foster stronger bonds among young people participating from 10 Southeast Asian countries and India. Taking the success of the inaugural summit forward, the 2nd edition was organised in Guwahati in 2019, with 3rd edition held virtually in 2020 and the 4th summit held in Hyderabad in 2023. The 5th edition is scheduled to take place on 27th August - 31st August 2025 in Goa, India, themed: “Connecting the Youth: Shaping our Future”.

The Summit seeks to foster cooperation and collaboration amongst the youth to collectively tackle shared challenges, while seizing new opportunities. The 5th ASEAN Youth Summit will bring together young leaders and changemakers to engage in a meaningful dialogue, build enduring networks and jointly develop a vision for a resilient and prosperous future.