PM Modi to Attend ASEAN-India Summit Virtually; Jaishankar to Represent India at East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually on October 26, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur the following day, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and its Act East Policy.

Modi decided not to travel to Malaysia due to scheduling constraints and the ongoing Deepavali celebrations, officials said. Following a phone conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Modi congratulated Malaysia on its ASEAN Chairmanship and expressed optimism about “further deepening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

In a social media post, Anwar Ibrahim confirmed Modi’s virtual participation and extended Deepavali greetings, saying Malaysia remains committed to enhancing cooperation with India in trade, investment, technology, education, and regional security.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the ASEAN-India Summit will review the progress of bilateral relations and explore new initiatives to boost the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Meanwhile, the East Asia Summit—which includes the US, China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand along with ASEAN—will deliberate on peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

India’s dialogue with ASEAN began in 1992 as a sectoral partnership and was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2012. The relationship has since focused on enhancing trade, connectivity, and security cooperation, aligning with India’s broader Indo-Pacific vision.

The ASEAN Summit and related meetings are scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28, with India continuing to emphasize its growing strategic and economic engagement with Southeast Asia.