Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to meet US President Donald Trump this year, as he will attend the ASEAN summit virtually instead of traveling to Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed he will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the upcoming ASEAN summit scheduled from October 26–28. India is expected to be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, according to PTI. This decision ends speculation about a possible meeting between Modi and US President Donald Trump during the summit.
Last month, Trump had expressed eagerness to meet Modi in the “coming weeks” via a Truth Social post, as both nations aimed to improve ties after a period of tension. Rumors had circulated that the ASEAN meeting could serve as the venue for bilateral discussions.
On Thursday, PM Modi himself confirmed his remote participation in the summit through an X post. He wrote, “Had a cordial chat with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a close friend, and congratulated him on being the chairman of ASEAN for Malaysia. Look forward to further strengthening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and participating virtually in the ASEAN-India Summit.”
PM Modi Has Rarely Missed the ASEAN Summit
Between 2014 and 2019, PM Modi consistently attended the annual summit in person. The Covid-19 pandemic forced virtual participation in 2020 and 2021, while 2022 saw Modi skip the summit entirely. His physical presence has historically been a key element of India’s Act East policy, aimed at strengthening relations with the 10-member ASEAN grouping.
The prime minister’s decision to attend virtually has drawn criticism and accusations from opposition leaders, who claim the move may have been intended to avoid a meeting with Trump.
Following the US President’s acceptance of Malaysia’s invitation to the ASEAN summit, speculation grew that Modi and Trump might discuss trade and tariff issues during Trump’s Asia trip. Since the United States is a dialogue partner rather than a full member, it is uncommon for US presidents to attend ASEAN summits. Previously, Trump attended in 2017, and President Joe Biden in 2022.
Will Modi Get Another Chance to Meet Trump?
Relations between the US and India have been strained recently. Trump imposed tariffs of up to 50% on India’s imports of Russian oil, citing concerns over Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Bilateral trade negotiations have also stalled due to US demands for greater access to India’s dairy and agricultural sectors.
Despite these tensions, both leaders have spoken twice by phone in recent months, including a call in which Trump wished Modi a happy Diwali. Trump also expressed hope for a trade agreement and mentioned plans to meet Modi in the “coming weeks.”
Although there were expectations of a meeting during the ASEAN summit, Modi’s virtual participation means there may be no opportunity to meet Trump in person this year.
Congress Criticizes PM Modi
The last in-person meeting between Modi and Trump took place during the Indian Prime Minister’s February bilateral visit to Washington. Trump attended the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where Modi was invited but did not go.
In response, Congress leaders criticized the Prime Minister for avoiding Trump. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh tweeted: “The reason why Modi is not going is simple. He simply does not want President Trump to corner him. The PM may well be recalling that old hit Bollywood number: Bachke re rehna re baba, bachke rehna re.”
Ramesh further stated, “Posting positive remarks on social media about President Trump is one thing, but physically meeting the man who has repeatedly opposed India’s oil imports from Russia is another. It could be politically risky for him.”
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi will attend the ASEAN summit virtually, not in person.
- This decision likely rules out a meeting with US President Donald Trump this year.
- India will be represented at the summit by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- Congress has criticized Modi’s decision, suggesting it was politically motivated.
- US-India relations remain in a delicate phase due to tariffs and trade issues.
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