Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opted out of attending the annual ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, choosing to join discussions virtually, reportedly to prevent an impromptu meeting with US President Donald Trump. According to media reports citing informed sources, the primary apprehension within the Indian government was that President Trump would reiterate his controversial claim of having mediated a ceasefire during the May armed conflict between India and Pakistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to attend the ASEAN summit virtually has effectively ruled out any chance of a face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump this year.https://t.co/VyM1lFQTDj
— Business Plus India (@BusinessPlusIND) October 23, 2025
Indian officials were reportedly concerned that such a declaration would be highly embarrassing for the Prime Minister, particularly as he is the central face of the ruling party’s crucial campaign in the Bihar election. Any public comments by the US President regarding the alleged mediation could be exploited by political rivals, risking damage to the ruling party’s electoral prospects.
The backdrop to this diplomatic maneuvering includes already heightened US-India tensions, fueled by issues such as steep US tariffs, New Delhi’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, and the US insistence on its role in ending the May military escalation.That conflict, which began after an attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir, saw intense exchanges before a US-led push reportedly brokered a halt to hostilities—a detail New Delhi adamantly contests. Modi’s absence underscores the persistent friction and political risk associated with acknowledging the US role in stabilizing the sensitive India-Pakistan Ceasefire.
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