PM Modi Likely to Skip ASEAN Summit in Malaysia
Analysis
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to travel to Malaysia for the ASEAN-related meetings scheduled from 26–28 October 2025 due to scheduling constraints.
- India is expected to be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur.
- There is a possibility of PM Modi’s participation in virtual mode at the ASEAN–India Summit, though no official confirmation has been issued.
- In recent years, PM Modi has personally led Indian delegations to both the ASEAN–India Summit and the East Asia Summit, highlighting the importance India attaches to ASEAN-led mechanisms.
- Malaysia, the ASEAN Chair for 2025, has invited leaders of ASEAN dialogue partners, including US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur during the summit period.
- The decision not to travel to Malaysia has also led to the postponement of PM Modi’s proposed visit to Cambodia, which was earlier planned alongside the Malaysia visit.
- The development reflects operational and scheduling considerations, rather than any dilution in India’s engagement with ASEAN.
- India–ASEAN relations have seen a significant upswing in recent years, with growing focus on trade, investment, security, and defence cooperation.
Necessary Static Part
- ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
- Founded in 1967.
- Current members (as per input): Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia.
- India–ASEAN Relations
- Sectoral Dialogue Partner: 1992
- Full Dialogue Partner: 1995
- Summit-level Partnership: 2002
- Strategic Partnership: 2012
- ASEAN–India Summit & East Asia Summit
- Key multilateral platforms for regional cooperation, security dialogue, and economic engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Updated – 23 Oct 2025; 04:04 AM IST | News Source:
NDTV