Modi to Take Part in Indo-Asean Summit Virtually
The ASEAN meetings are scheduled from October 26-28
While the upcoming Bihar polls are being cited as a possible reason for the Prime Minister skipping the visit, the decision also means there will be no bilateral meeting with the US President at Kuala Lumpur, as the two leaders had spoken by phone earlier on Wednesday. This comes amid pressure from President Trump on India to stop or significantly reduce imports of Russian oil.
In a post on social media platform X, Modi said, “Had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of the upcoming summits. Look forward to joining the Asean-India Summit virtually and to further deepening the Asean-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
In its statement, the MEA said, “At the invitation of H.E. Dato Seri’ Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will virtually attend the 22nd A Asean-India Summit on October 26, 2025.”
It added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Asean leaders will jointly review the progress in Asean -India relations and discuss new initiatives to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Strengthening ties with Asean remains a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.”
The MEA further stated, “external affairs minister S. Jaishankar will represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 27, 2025. The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and to exchange views on key regional and international developments.”
