Modi to Join ASEAN Summit Virtually, No Meeting with Trump as Trade Deal Remains Elusive

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate virtually in the upcoming ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur, ruling out a possible in-person meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision comes as India and the United States continue to struggle to finalize a long-anticipated trade deal. The summit, scheduled from October 26 to 28, will see the participation of all 10 ASEAN member states along with key partners including China, Japan, and the U.S.

Modi announced on X that he looks forward to “further deepening the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” while Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Modi’s virtual attendance was due to Deepavali celebrations in India. Malaysia’s foreign minister had earlier stated that Trump would visit Kuala Lumpur on October 26, sparking speculation about a potential meeting between the two leaders—a possibility now ruled out.

Despite months of negotiations, India and the U.S. have yet to reach consensus on key trade issues, with talks complicated by New Delhi’s continued imports of Russian oil. Washington imposed a 25% punitive tariff on Indian goods in August, raising total levies to 50%. According to India’s Mint newspaper, discussions are ongoing, and the nations may soon reach an agreement that could reduce tariffs to around 15–16%, contingent on progress in the energy and agriculture sectors.

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