PM Modi to Join ASEAN Summit Virtually, Congratulates Malaysian PM on Chairmanship

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate virtually in the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and the related ASEAN–India Summit. This decision comes as Malaysia assumes the rotating chairmanship of the regional bloc under Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Modiji’s virtual participation aligns with India’s Deepavali celebrations, highlighting a balance between domestic commitments and continued engagement with ASEAN.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. (Arvind Yadav/ HT file) | Hindustan Times

Warm Diplomatic Exchange

On October 23, 2025, PM Modi personally congratulated Anwar Ibrahim for Malaysia taking over the ASEAN chairmanship. During the conversation, he expressed India’s strong commitment to deepening the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and conveyed best wishes for the success of the upcoming summit.

Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Modiji’s decision to join virtually, respecting the timing of India’s Deepavali festivities. He extended greetings to the people of India on the festival and emphasized Malaysia’s dedication to strengthening India–Malaysia relations as well as broader ASEAN–India cooperation across trade, education, technology, and security.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and Its Significance

The 47th ASEAN Summit, along with its associated meetings, is scheduled from October 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia, in its role as chair, is focusing on inclusivity and sustainability, reflecting ASEAN’s priorities in navigating economic, geopolitical, and security challenges in the region.

India’s participation, even virtually, underscores the importance it places on its strategic partnership with ASEAN. The relationship has evolved over the years into a multifaceted engagement involving trade, investment, regional security, and cultural exchanges. By joining the summit virtually, India ensures continuity in dialogue while respecting domestic commitments.

Strategic Implications

Modiji’s virtual engagement highlights India’s ability to maintain a proactive role in Southeast Asian diplomacy without physically attending the summit. It signals India’s continued interest in advancing trade, connectivity, and security cooperation with ASEAN nations, while balancing domestic priorities.

For Malaysia and ASEAN, India’s participation adds diplomatic weight to the summit, reinforcing the bloc’s efforts to strengthen ties with one of the region’s key partners. This engagement comes at a time when ASEAN navigates complex regional dynamics, including Indo-Pacific security challenges, trade concerns, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming ASEAN–India Summit provides a platform for discussing mutual economic, technological, and security priorities. India’s virtual presence will allow for focused contributions on critical regional matters while maintaining its commitment to ASEAN integration. As Malaysia steers the summit agenda, the cooperation between India and ASEAN is expected to remain robust, reflecting shared strategic goals and the importance of regional collaboration.

The MGMM Outlook

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual participation in the 47th ASEAN Summit reflects India’s careful balance between domestic priorities and international engagement. By joining the summit remotely during Deepavali, India demonstrates that strategic diplomacy can continue even without physical presence. Modiji’s warm congratulations to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship highlight India’s commitment to strengthening the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This engagement underscores India’s focus on trade, investment, regional security, and cultural exchange, ensuring that dialogue with Southeast Asian nations remains uninterrupted.

India’s virtual involvement also signals proactive diplomacy in navigating complex regional dynamics, including Indo-Pacific security, trade concerns, and humanitarian issues in Myanmar. By contributing to discussions on economic, technological, and security cooperation, India reinforces its role as a key partner for ASEAN. Malaysia’s chairmanship and the summit’s focus on inclusivity and sustainability provide an opportunity to further consolidate India–ASEAN relations, emphasizing mutual respect, collaboration, and shared strategic priorities across the region.

(Sources: News18, Hindustan Times, Economic Times)