No Modi-Trump Meet: India Focuses Inward as ASEAN Summit Approaches

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be physically present at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur next week. This decision is attributed to significant domestic commitments, including the crucial Bihar state elections, and the lack of a decisive outcome in ongoing trade talks with the United States. Sources indicate that the Prime Minister’s priority lies with managing internal affairs and participating in the Chhath Puja festivities. While the full extent of his participation is yet to be clarified, PM Modi is expected to engage with the India-ASEAN Summit virtually on October 26. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the East Asia Summit on October 27-28 as India’s representative. The planned high-level interaction between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump has been cancelled, a direct consequence of the unresolved trade disputes. Despite recent diplomatic engagement, including a call between the two leaders, a trade agreement remains distant. President Trump is scheduled to visit Malaysia on October 26 before proceeding to Japan.