It is independent of governments and political bodies and does not take institutional positions on issues of policy at its meetings or in its publications.

[1] The society was founded in 1901 to promote greater knowledge and understanding of Central Asia and surrounding countries.

Lectures are given by authoritative speakers roughly every two weeks on current affairs, history, culture and travel connected with all parts of Asia.

The Society's library and archive are currently housed at Hailebury where they may be consulted by prior arrangement.

The Society also administers grants to support medical electives in asian countries on behalf of the JPT Family Trust.