 "Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim (left) with Indian PM Narendra Modi")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the upcoming Asean-India Summit virtually, foregoing a physical visit to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th Asean Summit due to the ongoing Diwali celebrations in India.
The decision was confirmed following a “warm conversation” between PM Modi and his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, details of which were shared by both leaders.
During the exchange, PM Modi congratulated PM Ibrahim on Malaysia assuming the Asean Chairmanship, conveying his best wishes for the success of the upcoming Summits.
“Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and to further deepening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Modi stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is hosting the summit, confirmed Modi’s virtual attendance and extended his greetings for the festival of lights. “He informed me that he will attend virtually due to the ongoing Deepavali celebrations in India at that time,” Ibrahim said, adding that he respected the decision and offered “a happy Deepavali to him and the entire people of India.”
Beyond the summit logistics, the leaders also discussed strengthening the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and India to a more strategic and comprehensive level.
Ibrahim reaffirmed India’s importance as a key partner in critical sectors including trade, investment, technology, education, and regional security, concluding that Malaysia remains committed to enhancing both bilateral and Asean-India cooperation for a peaceful and prosperous region.
The Asean meetings are slated to take place from October 26 to 28.
Malaysia has extended invitations to US President Donald Trump and leaders from several nations that serve as Asean’s dialogue partners.
Trump is expected to visit Kuala Lumpur on a two-day trip beginning October 26.