Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Modi Skips ASEAN Summit, Reportedly to Avoid Trump Amid Strained Relations
The leader of India, Prime Minister Modi, didn't go to an important meeting in Malaysia called the ASEAN Summit in person.
He joined the meeting using a computer instead.
Some reports say he did this because he wanted to stay away from the leader of the United States, President Trump.
President Trump has been saying he stopped a fight between India and Pakistan, which India disagrees with.
Leaders in India don't like other countries interfering in their business.
Also, the US has put higher prices on some things India buys.
Another expert thinks Modi might have stayed away to avoid a public argument with Trump, who likes to say surprising things.
Some also believe Modi wanted to focus on important elections happening in a part of India called Bihar.
It seems like a mix of not wanting to talk to Trump and focusing on home matters.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually attended the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, bypassing a physical presence.
Reports suggest Modi's absence was to avoid meeting US President Donald Trump due to strained India-US relations and differing views on the India-Pakistan conflict.
US President Trump has claimed personal credit for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, a notion India refutes.
Experts believe Modi's decision was influenced by the desire to prevent potential public awkwardness with Trump's statements and ongoing trade deal negotiations.
Upcoming Bihar elections in India are also cited as a reason for Prime Minister Modi's focus on domestic affairs.
- Who
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump, Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar, US State Secretary Marco Rubio, International relations professor Harsh Pant, Georgetown University professor Uday Chandra
- What
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually attended the ASEAN summit instead of physically being present, reportedly to avoid a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
- When
- Recent, in the lead-up to the ASEAN summit in Malaysia and ahead of Bihar elections.
- Where
- Malaysia (ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur), India (Bihar)
- Why
- To avoid potential awkward public exchanges with President Trump regarding his claims of stopping the India-Pakistan war, trade deal negotiations, and possibly to focus on upcoming Bihar elections.
Reasons for PM Modi's Absence
Alternative Perspectives
Avoiding Donald Trump
Reasons for PM Modi's Absence
Prime Minister Modi's primary motivation for virtual attendance was to steer clear of a physical meeting with US President Donald Trump, due to Trump's claims about intervening in the India-Pakistan conflict and broader strained relations including trade tariffs.
Alternative Perspectives
While acknowledging the possibility of avoiding Trump, Professor Uday Chandra suggests Modi prioritizes summits like the G20 where India has a more equal footing, and that ASEAN-style consensus-based meetings can dilute India's influence.
Public Engagement
Reasons for PM Modi's Absence
Professor Harsh Pant believes Modi wanted to avoid a potentially awkward public exchange with Trump, given Trump's tendency for unpredictable public statements and the expectation of reciprocal public comments from Modi.
Alternative Perspectives
This perspective does not present a direct opposing view but focuses on the *nature* of the potential interaction with Trump rather than a complete dismissal of the avoidance motive.
Election Focus
Reasons for PM Modi's Absence
The report highlights that the upcoming Bihar elections played a significant role, with Modi recently launching campaigns in the state.
Alternative Perspectives
This point is not presented as an opposing view but as an additional contributing factor to Modi's decision, reinforcing the domestic political considerations.
- PM Modi's Participation
- Virtual
- US President Trump's Attendance
- Physical in Kuala Lumpur
- Meeting on Sidelines
- S. Jaishankar and Marco Rubio
- Reported Reason for Absence
- To avoid meeting Donald Trump
- US-India Strains Mentioned
- Operation Sindoor, tariffs on Russian oil
- Indian Elections
- Bihar state polls on Nov 6 and 11
