Prime Minister Modi will not be able to travel to Malaysia due to Diwali celebrations. He will participate virtually in the 47th ASEAN Summit and strengthen India-ASEAN trade, investment, and security cooperation.
ASEAN Summit: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit. PM Modi will participate in the meeting via a virtual platform. Anwar stated on social media that he respected PM Modi's decision and extended Diwali greetings to India and its people.
Virtual Participation Due to Diwali Celebrations
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that PM Modi informed him of his virtual participation in the meeting due to the organization and celebrations of Diwali in India. PM Modi also conveyed this information to the Malaysian Prime Minister over the phone. The Prime Minister expressed eagerness to further strengthen the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
PM Modi's Message
In his address, PM Modi congratulated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for Malaysia's ASEAN chairmanship. He wished for the summit's success and stated that even with virtual participation, India would promote trade, investment, and defense cooperation between India and ASEAN. In his social media post, he described it as a symbol of friendship and strategic cooperation.
Information on the ASEAN Summit
Meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will be held from October 26 to 28 in Malaysia. Leaders from several dialogue partner countries, including US President Donald Trump, are invited to this summit. Trump will arrive in Kuala Lumpur on October 26 for a two-day visit.
ASEAN Member States
ASEAN comprises ten member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. In recent years, bilateral relations between India and ASEAN have grown, with a focus on cooperation in trade, investment, security, and defense sectors.
India-ASEAN Relations
India has strengthened its Strategic Partnership with ASEAN countries over the past few years. Along with an increase in Trade and Investment, Security Cooperation and Maritime Security have also been prioritized. PM Modi's virtual participation will further deepen this partnership.
