New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the PM Modi Asean Summit in Malaysia next week due to scheduling conflicts and domestic priorities, according to sources familiar with the matter. The highly anticipated gathering in Kuala Lumpur, scheduled for October 26-28, was expected to serve as a potential venue for crucial diplomatic engagements, but the Indian leader’s physical presence now appears uncertain.
Virtual Participation Expected for PM Modi Asean Summit
While the Prime Minister may not travel to Kuala Lumpur, sources indicate that he is expected to participate virtually in the India-Asean Summit on October 26. This virtual participation in the PM Modi Asean Summit ensures India’s continued engagement with Southeast Asian nations despite the change in attendance plans. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to represent India in person at the East Asia Summit on October 27-28, maintaining India’s diplomatic presence at the crucial regional gathering.
Domestic Priorities Take Precedence
The government’s current focus on upcoming state assembly elections in Bihar has significantly influenced the decision regarding the PM Modi Asean Summit attendance. Election campaigns and political engagements within the country have taken priority in the Prime Minister’s schedule. Additionally, celebrations marking Chhath Puja next week require the Prime Minister’s participation, further complicating his international travel plans.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that these domestic commitments played a crucial role in determining the final decision about physical attendance at the PM Modi Asean Summit. The combination of electoral responsibilities and religious festival obligations has created scheduling constraints that cannot be easily resolved.
Implications for India-US Diplomatic Engagement
The PM Modi Asean Summit was being viewed as a significant opportunity for a potential meeting between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump amid ongoing trade-related tensions in bilateral relations. Trump is expected to arrive in Malaysia on October 26 before traveling to Japan from October 27 to 29, making the summit a convenient diplomatic venue.
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However, the lack of tangible outcomes in ongoing trade negotiations between India and the US reportedly influenced the decision regarding the PM Modi Asean Summit attendance. Despite continuous engagement between both nations, including Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal’s two-day visit to the US last week and a phone conversation between Trump and Modi on Tuesday, substantial progress on a bilateral trade agreement remains elusive.
Progress in India-US Trade Negotiations
Commerce Secretary Agrawal, who served as the chief negotiator for the trade deal with the US, concluded discussions with American officials in what was described as a cordial atmosphere. The talks, held between October 15-19, created pathways for constructive and mutually beneficial bilateral trade discussions. Both sides remain engaged on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, with India committed to protecting its farmers, fishermen, and micro, small and medium enterprises.
Trade Tensions Continue to Challenge Relations
The India-US trade talks faced significant setbacks when President Trump imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and an additional 25% punitive levy over Russian oil purchases. These combined 50% tariffs rendered most Indian goods economically unviable in the US market, leading to a pause in negotiations after the fifth round in late August.
Discussions resumed after US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch held talks with Indian officials in New Delhi on September 16. Since then, Modi and Trump have spoken three times, and US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor visited New Delhi earlier this month as part of efforts to repair bilateral ties.
Recent Diplomatic Communications
During their phone conversation on Tuesday, Trump and Modi discussed trade matters, with Trump repeating his claim that India would not purchase much oil from Russia. The Prime Minister acknowledged the conversation on social media, noting that Trump had extended Diwali greetings and emphasizing that both sides were united against all forms of terrorism, though he made no reference to trade discussions.
Malaysian Preparations and Diplomatic Protocol
The External Affairs Ministry had completed all preparations for a possible visit to Malaysia, including advance reconnaissance. Malaysian officials had announced that the Prime Minister was scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, making the change in plans a last-minute adjustment to diplomatic schedules.
The virtual participation format for the PM Modi Asean Summit ensures India maintains its commitment to regional partnerships while accommodating pressing domestic priorities and awaiting more favorable conditions for high-level bilateral engagements.
