On a recent occasion, India's External Affairs Minister took part in the first-ever "ASEAN Future Forum," a significant platform for ASEAN and its partners to exchange innovative ideas and policy recommendations.

About ASEAN Future Forum:

1. Objective: To create a common space where ASEAN member states, partner countries and the ASEAN community can contribute to shape the development path of the bloc.
2. Proposal: Initiated by Vietnam at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in 2023.
3. Theme: "Toward Fast and Sustainable Growth of a People-Centered ASEAN Community."
4. Location: Hanoi, Vietnam.

Key Facts about ASEAN:

1. Establishment: ASEAN was founded in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration.
2. Founding Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
3. Current Members: ASEAN now comprises 10 member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Objectives: ASEAN promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates integration in various areas, including economics, politics, security, military, education, and sociocultural matters.

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