NEW DELHI: (Oct 24) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually participate in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit on October 26, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
The summit, hosted by Malaysia, will review the progress of ASEAN-India relations and explore new initiatives to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
“The ASEAN-India Summit remains a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Prime Minister Modi and ASEAN leaders will jointly review progress and discuss initiatives to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the MEA said.
The following day, on October 27, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent Prime Minister Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, which will deliberate on peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi said he had a “warm conversation” with his Malaysian counterpart.
“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 upcoming Summits. Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and to further deepening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Modi said in a post on X.
Confirming the development, Anwar Ibrahim said Modi would not be travelling to Kuala Lumpur due to Deepavali celebrations in India. “He informed me that he will attend virtually. I respect his decision and extended my greetings for a happy Deepavali to him and the people of India,” Ibrahim said.
The Malaysian leader also reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering Malaysia-India relations, calling India an “important partner” in trade, investment, technology, education, and regional security.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump announced his upcoming diplomatic tour to Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan, highlighting a significant meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea.
Trump said he had cancelled a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing a lack of diplomatic progress. “It didn’t feel right to me. I didn’t want a wasted meeting,” he told reporters.
The White House said Trump aims to discuss energy, oil, and peace in Ukraine during his talks with Xi, hoping to “leverage the meeting to pressure Russia into negotiations.”