Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to travel to Malaysia next week for the crucial ASEAN Summit, according to sources familiar with the matter. This decision potentially sidelines a highly anticipated meeting with US President Donald Trump, which was seen as a possible venue to ease recent trade-related strains between the two nations. The Indian government has yet to make an official announcement regarding its level of participation in the gathering, scheduled for October 26-28 in Kuala Lumpur.
What Are the Stated Reasons for the Decision?
People privy to the development, speaking on condition of anonymity, cited scheduling conflicts and domestic political priorities as the primary reasons. The government’s current focus is understood to be on the upcoming state assembly elections in Bihar. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi is also expected to participate in celebrations for Chhath Puja, a significant festival in Bihar, during the same period. These domestic engagements appear to have taken precedence over the international diplomatic event.
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How Will India Participate in the Summit?
While the Prime Minister’s physical presence is now in doubt, India will still have official representation at the key meetings. A separate source confirmed that PM Modi is expected to participate in the India-ASEAN Summit on October 26 via a virtual teleconference. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is anticipated to personally head the Indian delegation at the upcoming East Asia Summit on October 27–28, guaranteeing the nation’s ongoing involvement in the regional bloc.
Was the Stalled US Trade Deal a Factor?
The sources indicated that the lack of a tangible outcome in the ongoing India-US trade negotiations was indeed a factor in the decision. Contacts have continued, including Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal’s visit to the US last week and a phone conversation between the two leaders on Tuesday. The possibility of a Modi-Trump summit without a firm trade deal to announce, however, may have affected the travel arrangements given the lack of immediate signals of a breakthrough. Due to US tariffs that have rendered many Indian products unsellable in the US market, the negotiations have been difficult.
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What Was the Preparedness for the Visit?
Despite the likelihood of cancellation, the Ministry of External Affairs had completed all logistical preparations for a potential visit by the Prime Minister. This included an advance security recce in Malaysia. Malaysian officials had even publicly announced that Modi was scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, the same day President Trump is also expected to land. This indicates that the decision was a recent development, following a thorough assessment of the diplomatic and domestic landscape.
