India PM Modi to Join ASEAN Summit Virtually Amid US Trade Talks

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join the upcoming ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur virtually, ruling out any in-person meeting with US President Donald Trump, amid ongoing trade tensions between India and the United States. The ASEAN summit, which gathers leaders from 10 Southeast Asian nations along with major partners including China, Japan, and the US, is scheduled from October 26 to 28. Modi’s decision to attend virtually comes amid India’s Deepavali celebrations, highlighting cultural commitments alongside critical diplomatic engagements.

The virtual participation of Prime Minister Modi has fueled speculation about India-US relations, especially in the context of a potential trade deal. India and the United States have been negotiating for months to reach an agreement that could ease tariffs and boost bilateral trade. However, the talks have been complicated by India’s continued imports of Russian oil, which prompted the US to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods in August. These tariffs, combined with existing levies, have raised the total trade duties to 50%, affecting multiple sectors in India. Analysts say Prime Minister Modi’s virtual presence at the ASEAN summit signals both India’s strategic balancing in global diplomacy and the caution surrounding US trade negotiations.

During a conversation with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister Modi expressed his enthusiasm about deepening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Anwar confirmed Modi’s virtual participation, noting it was due to the ongoing Deepavali celebrations. This interaction underscores India’s commitment to regional cooperation in Southeast Asia while also navigating complex trade dynamics with the United States. Despite discussions between Modi and Trump earlier this week focusing on trade, there has been no clear progress toward finalizing a deal. Sources indicate that while tariffs on Indian imports could potentially be reduced to 15–16%, issues relating to energy and agriculture remain significant hurdles.

The ASEAN summit provides an opportunity for India to strengthen regional ties and reinforce its strategic partnerships, even as the US trade talks remain unresolved. Prime Minister Modi’s virtual attendance highlights India’s focus on multilateral diplomacy, balancing domestic cultural priorities with global economic engagement. Analysts suggest that India’s approach to the summit and ongoing US negotiations reflects careful maneuvering, emphasizing both regional leadership and cautious engagement with Washington. India’s trade strategy, including the management of tariffs and energy imports, will likely remain a central topic of discussion in the coming weeks, influencing the trajectory of India-US economic relations.

With ASEAN leaders preparing for critical discussions on trade, investment, and strategic partnerships, Prime Minister Modi’s virtual participation ensures that India remains actively engaged in regional dialogue. At the same time, the uncertainty surrounding the India-US trade deal signals that negotiations may continue well into the future, requiring both countries to balance economic interests with geopolitical considerations. For India, attending the ASEAN summit virtually allows the Prime Minister to maintain diplomatic visibility while managing domestic priorities during one of the nation’s most important cultural festivals.