NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has withdrawn from his planned visit to Malaysia to attend the weekend’s ASEAN-related summits, opting instead to participate virtually, officials confirmed on Friday.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India in person at the East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 27. “ASEAN is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Asia-Pacific vision,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Hindu newspaper reported that the Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cited Deepavali celebrations in India as the reason for Modi’s change in plans, adding that he “respects the decision.”
“I had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia,” Modi wrote on X. “Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of upcoming summits. Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and to further deepening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
However, opposition leaders accused Modi of backing out to avoid US President Donald Trump, who is also scheduled to attend. Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh claimed Modi feared “being cornered” by Trump amid tensions over trade and India’s purchase of Russian oil.
“It’s one thing to post messages praising President Trump, but far too risky to be physically seen with the man who has claimed 53 times that he stopped Operation Sindoor and that India has promised to stop buying oil from Russia,” Ramesh said on X.
He added, “The reason why Mr Modi is not going is simple — he doesn’t want to be cornered by President Trump … The PM may well be recalling that old Bollywood number: ‘Bachke rehna re baba, bachke rehna re.’”
Officials had earlier given mixed signals about Modi’s travel plans, citing his focus on the Bihar election campaign.
The Kuala Lumpur gathering — which includes leaders from the United States, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia — was expected to provide a platform for an informal meeting between Modi and Trump, whose recent tariffs on Indian goods have strained bilateral ties.
Despite political speculation, both Modi and Trump exchanged Deepavali greetings earlier this week. The White House said their discussion covered trade, Russian oil, and regional security, but Indian officials offered a conflicting version, insisting sensitive topics were not discussed. The contradiction has fueled criticism that Modi’s government is increasingly secretive and reluctant to acknowledge diplomatic tensions with Washington.
India was also represented by a junior minister, Kirti Vardhan Singh, at last month’s Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, which Modi had declined to attend.
