PM Modi Unlikely to Attend ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, EAM Jaishankar to Represent India

PM Modi's Absence at ASEAN Summit

According to sources familiar with the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is not expected to travel to Malaysia for the ASEAN summit starting this Sunday. Reports suggest that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India in these discussions. The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding India's level of participation in the summit-related events.

Jaishankar to Lead India's Representation

It has been reported that S. Jaishankar will represent India at these meetings. The ASEAN summit will be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28. No official statement has been released regarding India's participation level in the discussions related to the summit. Sources indicate that India has informed Malaysia that Jaishankar will be the representative at the ASEAN meetings. There is a possibility that Prime Minister Modi may participate digitally in the ASEAN-India summit.

Historical Context of ASEAN-India Relations

In recent years, the Prime Minister has led the Indian delegation at both the ASEAN-India summit and the East Asia summit. Malaysia has also invited leaders from several dialogue partner countries, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is set to visit Kuala Lumpur for two days starting October 26. The ASEAN-India dialogue partnership began in 1992, evolving into a full dialogue partnership in December 1995 and later into a summit-level partnership in 2002. These relations were elevated to a strategic partnership status in 2012. The ten ASEAN member countries include Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

Cancellation of Cambodia Trip

Sources have indicated that there were initial plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit both Malaysia and Cambodia. However, since he will not be traveling to Malaysia, the proposed trip to Cambodia has been postponed.