PM Modi to Attend ASEAN Summit Virtually, No Trump–Modi Meeting Likely
Analysis
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate virtually in the ASEAN Summit to be held in Kuala Lumpur from 26–28 October 2025.
- Virtual participation rules out a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to be in Malaysia during the summit period.
- The development indicates that India–U.S. trade negotiations are yet to reach closure, despite months of talks.
- Trade discussions have faced hurdles due to India’s Russian oil imports, following which the U.S. imposed a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods in August 2025, raising total levies to 50%.
- PM Modi confirmed his virtual participation after a conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, reiterating India’s commitment to deepening the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Malaysia cited Deepavali celebrations in India as the reason for PM Modi’s virtual attendance.
- Speculation about a Trump–Modi meeting arose after reports of Trump’s proposed visit to Malaysia, though Washington has not officially confirmed the trip.
- Trump and Modi spoke earlier in the week, with trade issues forming a major part of the discussion, though details were not disclosed by the Indian side.
- Media reports suggested a possible deal to reduce U.S. tariffs on Indian imports to 15–16%, contingent on progress in energy and agriculture negotiations.
Necessary Static Part
- ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)
- A regional grouping of 10 Southeast Asian countries.
- Plays a central role in regional economic integration and security architecture.
- ASEAN–India Relations
- Sectoral Dialogue Partnership: 1992
- Full Dialogue Partnership: 1995
- Summit-level Partnership: 2002
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: 2022
- ASEAN–India Summit
- Annual leaders-level platform to review cooperation in trade, connectivity, security, and the Indo-Pacific.
Updated – 23 Oct 2025; 10:52 AM | News Source:
Reuters