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Modi, Narendra

Modi Unlikely to Attend Asean Summit in Malaysia due to Scheduling Issues

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the India-Asean Summit on October 26 via virtual teleconference, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to take part in the East Asia Summit on October 27-28. The decision to hold the meetings virtually comes as the Indian government focuses on the upcoming state assembly elections in Bihar and the PM's participation in celebrations marking Chhath Puja next week.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Prime Minister is unlikely to travel to Malaysia for the Asean Summit due to scheduling and other issues, according to people familiar with the matter.
  • The government's focus is currently on the upcoming state assembly elections in Bihar and the PM is expected to participate in celebrations marking Chhath Puja next week.
  • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to take part in the East Asia Summit on October 27-28.
  • The lack of a tangible outcome before a potential meeting between the leaders of India and the US was one of the factors that played a role in deciding Modi's travel plans.
  • The US and India have continued contacts on negotiations for a bilateral trade agreement, including a phone conversation between Trump and Modi on Tuesday.
  • Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal concluded two days of discussions with American officials in a cordial atmosphere that created pathways for constructive and mutually beneficial bilateral trade talks between the two countries.
  • The two sides remain engaged on the proposed bilateral trade agreement, with India committed to a mutually beneficial agreement that also protects the country's farmers, fishermen, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
  • The India-US talks were hit when Trump imposed a 25% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods and a 25% punitive levy over Russian oil purchases.
  • The development led to the pausing of negotiations on the trade deal after the fifth round in the latter half of August.

Statistics:

  • The Asean Summit and related meetings are set to be held in Kuala Lumpur during October 26-28.
  • The US and India have had three phone calls between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump since September 16.
  • Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal concluded two days of discussions with American officials on October 15 and 16.
  • The proposed bilateral trade agreement between the US and India has been paused since the fifth round in the latter half of August.
  • A 25% reciprocal tariff and a 25% punitive levy have been imposed on Indian goods and Russian oil purchases by the US.
  • The US has imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, making most Indian goods unviable in the US market.

Sources:

  • People familiar with the matter (on condition of anonymity)
  • External Affairs Ministry
  • Malaysian officials
  • Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal
  • US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch
  • US Ambassador-Designate Sergio Gor
  • Hindustan Times (published by HT Digital Content Services)

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