PM Modi to Skip In-Person ASEAN Summit
A high-stakes meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump will not take place on the sidelines of the upcoming ASEAN summit. Prime Minister Modi has decided to skip traveling to Malaysia for the event. He will attend the gathering virtually instead.
Domestic Priorities Take Precedence
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the change. He spoke with PM Modi by phone. The official reason provided was the scheduling conflict with Diwali celebrations at home. However, sources in New Delhi point to other pressing domestic matters. They note the importance of the Chhath festival on October 28. This is a critical event ahead of the Bihar state elections, which begin on November 6.
Trade Deal Looms Over Decision
This schedule change removes the possibility of a sideline meeting between the two leaders. This meeting was highly anticipated. Sources indicate that domestic political demands require the Prime Minister's presence in India. There is also a belief that a formal meeting with President Trump would be more productive once the ongoing bilateral trade deal negotiations are complete. The government may prefer to finalise the pact before the leaders meet.
