PM Modi to Attend India-ASEAN Summit Virtually Amid Deepavali Celebrations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually attend the upcoming India-ASEAN Summit on Sunday, as confirmed after a conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The announcement put an end to speculation that Modi might meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the ASEAN and East Asia Summits in Kuala Lumpur.

According to Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, Modi conveyed that his decision to attend virtually was due to the ongoing Deepavali celebrations in India. “I respect his decision and extend my Deepavali greetings to him and the people of India,” Ibrahim wrote on X. In his post, Modi congratulated Ibrahim on Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and expressed optimism about strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Ministry of External Affairs later clarified that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the East Asia Summit on October 27. The two leaders also discussed bilateral relations, with Ibrahim emphasizing that India remains an important partner for Malaysia in trade, investment, technology, education, and regional security.

Analysts suggest that the Prime Minister’s decision may also be influenced by his preoccupation with the ongoing Bihar Assembly elections. Additionally, avoiding a possible encounter with the unpredictable US President amid a trade deadlock and differing stances on Pakistan may have been a strategic choice.

Meanwhile, the Congress party criticized Modi’s decision, claiming he skipped the Malaysia visit to “avoid being cornered by Trump.” Party spokesperson Jairam Ramesh alleged that while Modi often praises Trump online, meeting him in person—especially amid Trump’s controversial claims about India’s foreign policies—would have been politically risky.

Despite the criticism, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening ties with ASEAN nations and maintaining constructive engagement in regional affairs.