Narendra Modi to Attend ASEAN Summit Virtually Amid Scheduling Conflicts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the annual ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur in person due to scheduling issues but will participate in India's summit with the ASEAN grouping virtually. The External Affairs Minister will represent him at the East Asia Summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has opted to join the ASEAN-India summit virtually this year, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason he cannot travel to Kuala Lumpur. This decision follows a call with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where both leaders affirmed their commitment to deepening ties.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will step in for Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit, marking India's continued engagement in regional dialogues despite Modi's physical absence. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains a pivotal international body, with India and other global powers as dialogue partners.

Emphasizing the depth of India-Malaysia relations, Ibrahim noted potential areas of cooperation ranging from trade to regional security. As Malaysia hosts the ASEAN summit, Modi's participation, albeit virtual, underscores India's dedication to its Act East Policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific.

(With inputs from agencies.)