Modi's Virtual ASEAN Summit Appearance Amid U.S.-India Trade Stalemate

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ASEAN summit virtually, foregoing a possible meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. India-U.S. trade negotiations are stalled, with a resolution complicated by India's Russian oil imports. Modi's virtual attendance is due to Diwali celebrations in India.

In a significant diplomatic maneuver, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate virtually in the ASEAN summit hosted in Kuala Lumpur. This decision puts an end to speculation of a potential in-person dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring challenges in finalizing a trade deal between India and the United States.

The protracted trade talks, entangled by India's imports of Russian oil, have led to the U.S. imposing a hefty 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising overall tariffs to 50%. Despite these tensions, leaders from China, Japan, and the U.S. are anticipated to converge in Malaysia from October 26 to 28 for the ASEAN summit.

Prime Minister Modi's virtual attendance aligns with India's Diwali celebrations, as confirmed through his conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Discussions between Trump and Modi continue, with an emphasis on trade, yet without substantial breakthroughs, according to India's Mint media outlet, which noted unresolved issues in energy and agriculture.

(With inputs from agencies.)