Malaysia High Commission & KARMA Foundation Mark ASEAN Day with ASEAN–India 2025 Forum

Kathmandu: The High Commission of Malaysia and KARMA Foundation co-hosted the ASEAN–India 2025 Forum, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability: Together We Rise”, to celebrate ASEAN Day and deepen regional cooperation. The event, chaired by Malaysian High Commissioner Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, featured diplomats, academics, business leaders, and youth voices.

Mustafa highlighted ASEAN–India trade growth from USD 100.72 billion in 2023 to USD 106.83 billion in 2024, and said the new ASEAN–India Plan of Action (2026–2030) would boost ties in digital and green economies, maritime security, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges.

KARMA Foundation Founder Dhwani Jain urged that diplomacy move “beyond formal corridors into the hands of people,” stressing that inclusivity and sustainability are moral as well as strategic imperatives, with youth engagement at the core.

The program included a high-level panel, “Bridging Regions, Building Friendships”, a photo exhibition “Then & Now: ASEAN’s Journey Towards Prosperity”, interactive youth diplomacy circles, and a symbolic “Tree of Togetherness” planting ceremony. Panelists including Suhasini Haidar, Amitabh Ranjan, Atul K Thakur, and Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa discussed strategic autonomy, responsible power, economic parity, and diversity as a strength.

Around 200 attendees from ASEAN diplomatic missions, academia, and civil society participated, reaffirming ASEAN–India partnership as a force for prosperity, peace, and progress.