No bilateral with Trump as Modi to skip ASEAN meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit later this week and will instead join the proceedings virtually.

The decision, announced by the Prime Minister after a phone conversation with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, has sparked intense speculation in both diplomatic and political circles.

“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,” Modi posted on X.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the summit in person, officials said. With Modi opting for a virtual presence, prospects of a possible bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines now stand ruled out.

“The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and also exchange views on regional and international developments,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

In his post, Anwar Ibrahim said Modi had informed him of his decision to attend the summit virtually due to the ongoing Diwali celebrations in India. “I respect his decision and extended my greetings for a happy Diwali to him and the people of India,” Anwar said, adding that Malaysia remained committed to strengthening ASEAN–India cooperation “towards a more peaceful and prosperous region”. However, political observers say domestic and diplomatic factors may also have played a role. The upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar—a politically crucial state for the BJP—are expected to command much of the Prime Minister’s attention in the coming weeks.

At the same time, New Delhi’s relations with Washington have faced turbulence after the Donald Trump administration’s recent steep tariff hikes on Indian goods. Diplomatic sources say the leadership may have preferred to avoid an awkward public encounter between the two leaders amid the ongoing trade friction.

Despite his absence, Modi is expected to address the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, while Jaishankar will take part in the broader deliberations and bilateral meetings.

The 47th ASEAN Summit, to be held in Kuala Lumpur on October 26–27, will bring together leaders from Southeast Asia and key dialogue partners, including India, the US, China, Japan and Australia, to discuss regional security, trade and strategic cooperation.