Modi skips ASEAN summit amid US tensions and Russian oil pressure
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India’s PM Narendra Modi will not attend the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur in person, citing Deepavali celebrations, as trade tensions with the US and pressure over Russian oil continue.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the India-UK CEO Forum at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, India, on October 9, 2025. (Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur in person, opting instead to join virtually, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar shared the news in a Facebook post on Thursday, stating that Modi had personally called to inform him of the decision. "He announced that he would attend online, given the Diwali celebrations that were still being celebrated in India at that time," Anwar wrote. "I respect the decision and extend my Deepavali greetings to him and all the people of India."
Modi’s absence from the summit means he will miss a potential face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend in person. The development comes amid strained relations between India and the US over trade and energy policies.
Washington has imposed steep 50% tariffs on several Indian exports, citing New Delhi’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil as one of the reasons.
Trump said earlier this week that he had spoken with Modi, who “assured” him India would scale back its Russian energy imports. However, Indian officials have not confirmed any such commitment.
Trade dispute and Russian oil purchases loom over relations
The India-US trade dispute has intensified in recent months, with New Delhi resisting Washington’s attempts to isolate Moscow economically. India has continued to import discounted Russian oil, arguing it serves its national interest amid global energy market instability.
Trump’s remarks add further pressure on Modi, who is walking a diplomatic tightrope between maintaining long-standing relations with Russia and avoiding escalation with the US.
Modi’s virtual participation ensures India’s presence at the regional gathering, but his absence on the ground is likely to be viewed as a missed opportunity for in-person diplomacy at a time of complex international alignments.
