Modi Skips ASEAN; Absence Linked To U.S. Tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit (Oct. 26–28) and will participate virtually, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar representing India in person. Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cited Deepavali celebrations and scheduling constraints as the official reason. Modi’s absence cancels a planned in-person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and has been interpreted by some observers as a diplomatic snub amid cooled India–U.S. ties and stalled tariff negotiations. Analysts and opposition leaders linked the decision to friction over India’s purchases of Russian oil, noting that Indian officials and companies have signaled possible recalibration of Russian crude purchases in line with government guidance. New Delhi says its energy choices are driven by national interest, and observers also point to domestic political calculations, including the Bihar elections, as factors influencing the decision.