ASEAN Summit: India will be represented by Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at the 20th East Asia Summit, which is being held in Malaysia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Malaysia to attend the summit in person but will participate virtually. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Jaishankar will represent the Modi government at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Strengthening ties with ASEAN forms a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific vision, according to officials.
Act East Policy and India-ASEAN Relations
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated on Thursday, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ASEAN leaders will jointly review progress in ASEAN-India relations and discuss initiatives to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership. Strengthening ties with ASEAN is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and its Indo-Pacific outlook.”
India’s commitment to ASEAN reflects a long-standing policy goal of enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, security, technology, and education.
Virtual Address by Prime Minister Modi
The East Asia Summit provides a platform to discuss challenges to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and to exchange perspectives on regional and international developments. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the summit virtually on October 26.
Following this, on October 27, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the Modi government in Kuala Lumpur during the summit sessions.
Modi Extends Greetings to Malaysia’s Prime Minister
Prime Minister Modi congratulated Anwar Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, on ASEAN leadership and extended best wishes for the success of upcoming summits.
Earlier, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to participate virtually in the 47th ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur. On X (formerly Twitter), he posted:
“Had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship and wished success for the upcoming summits. Looking forward to virtually joining the ASEAN-India Summit and further strengthening the ASEAN-India comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Strengthening Bilateral Ties in Key Sectors
The ASEAN Summit will highlight India and Malaysia’s close cooperation in technology, education, and regional security. In addition, Malaysia continues to be a significant partner for India in trade and investment.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also shared on X:
“Last night, I received a call from a close associate of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing efforts to further strengthen Malaysia-India bilateral relations at a more strategic and comprehensive level. Beyond cooperation in technology, education, and regional security, India remains a major partner for Malaysia in trade and investment.”
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Commitment to a Peaceful and Prosperous Region
Prime Minister Anwar emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing ASEAN-India cooperation for building a more peaceful and prosperous regional environment. He noted discussions on hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of the month.
Due to India celebrating the Diwali festival, PM Modi will participate virtually. Prime Minister Anwar expressed respect for this decision and extended Diwali greetings to the people of India.
“Malaysia remains committed to strengthening ties with India and advancing ASEAN-India cooperation towards a more peaceful and prosperous region,” he stated.
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ASEAN Summit 2025: Strategic Importance
The ASEAN Summit serves as a crucial platform for India to:
- Strengthen its Act East Policy
- Promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region
- Enhance economic, educational, and technological collaborations
- Discuss security and regional strategic partnerships
India’s participation, both virtually by PM Modi and in-person by Foreign Minister Jaishankar, highlights the country’s continued commitment to deepening ASEAN-India relations.
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Conclusion
The 20th East Asia Summit in Malaysia underscores the importance of strategic collaboration between India and ASEAN nations. With PM Modi participating virtually and Foreign Minister Jaishankar attending in person, India continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening regional ties, promoting peace, and enhancing comprehensive strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
The summit is expected to pave the way for closer cooperation in trade, security, education, and technology, ensuring a stronger, more prosperous future for India-ASEAN relations.
