ASEAN Summit 2025: PM Modi Unlikely to Attend, Jaishankar Expected to Lead Delegation
New Delhi: Diplomatic circles are buzzing with speculation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to travel to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit next week. With the summit being a cornerstone of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, the critical question is who will represent India at this crucial regional gathering.
While an official announcement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) is awaited, highly-placed sources within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly suggest the responsibility will fall to External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar.
Why is PM Modi Skipping the Summit?
This development is not seen as a downgrading of India’s commitment to the 10-nation bloc but rather a reflection of the Prime Minister’s packed schedule.
“The PM has had a relentless calendar of engagements, including the recent G7 Summit and preparations for other significant bilateral visits,” a senior official told reporters on the condition of anonymity. “The decision is purely logistical.”
EAM S. Jaishankar: A Strategic Choice for India
Sending Dr. Jaishankar is a strategic move signaling continuity and seriousness. As a former Foreign Secretary and one of the world’s most respected diplomats, Dr. Jaishankar has a deep understanding of Indo-Pacific dynamics and a strong personal rapport with his ASEAN counterparts.
His presence would underscore that India’s engagement with ASEAN is institutionalized and not dependent on a single personality, ensuring India’s voice is heard with clarity and authority.
Why the ASEAN-India Summit is a High-Stakes Event
The ASEAN-India Summit is the central pillar of New Delhi’s vision for the Indo-Pacific. A strong, unified, and prosperous ASEAN is vital for ensuring regional peace and stability. India’s participation will be closely watched on several key agenda items:
- Economic & Trade Cooperation: Deepening the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA) and enhancing connectivity through projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway remain top priorities for India’s push towards a $5 trillion economy.
- Maritime Security: Amid growing concerns over freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, India and ASEAN share a common interest in upholding international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Dr. Jaishankar is expected to reiterate India’s call for a rules-based maritime order.
- The China Factor: Countering Beijing’s expanding influence is a significant undercurrent in India-ASEAN relations. Both sides aim to build an open and inclusive regional architecture not dominated by a single power.
- Digital and Green Partnership: Collaborations in fintech, renewable energy, and sustainable development are emerging as key areas of focus, reflecting the partnership’s evolving priorities.
India’s Agenda and What to Expect
Should he lead the delegation, Dr. Jaishankar is expected to hold a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit in Kuala Lumpur. His interventions will likely reinforce “ASEAN Centrality” in the Indo-Pacific framework and showcase India as a reliable and constructive partner.
In conclusion, while Prime Minister Modi’s presence will be missed, EAM Jaishankar’s expected leadership ensures India’s diplomatic ship is steered by a steady and experienced hand. The message from New Delhi is clear: India’s commitment to its ‘Act East’ policy and its strategic partnership with ASEAN remains rock-solid.
