Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi/Kuala Lumpur, Oct 23: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 27, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi will virtually attend the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit on October 26 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently chairs ASEAN.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ASEAN leaders will jointly review the progress in ASEAN–India relations and discuss new initiatives to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Deepening ties with ASEAN remains a core pillar of our Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision,” the MEA said in a statement.
The upcoming East Asia Summit will provide a platform for leaders to deliberate on regional peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, as well as share perspectives on global geopolitical developments.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi took to X to confirm his participation and congratulate Malaysia for assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship.
“Had a warm conversation with my dear friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia. Congratulated him on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and conveyed best wishes for the success of the upcoming summits. Look forward to joining the ASEAN–India Summit virtually and to further deepening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Modi posted.
In their phone conversation, both leaders discussed expanding bilateral cooperation across trade, technology, education, and security, reaffirming their commitment to elevating the India–Malaysia partnership.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in a social media post, expressed appreciation for Modi’s call and extended Deepavali greetings to the Indian leader and people.
“India remains an important partner for Malaysia, especially in trade, investment, technology, education, and security. We look forward to taking our relationship to a more strategic and comprehensive level,” Anwar said, adding that he respected Modi’s decision to join the summit virtually due to Diwali festivities.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, scheduled from October 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, will transform the Malaysian capital into the diplomatic hub of Southeast Asia, hosting over 30 world leaders from ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners including the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.
The discussions are expected to center on regional peace, economic resilience, and inclusive growth, under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme: “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”
The three-day event will conclude on October 28 with a closing ceremony and the formal handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines, marking the culmination of Malaysia’s pivotal year in advancing regional cooperation and shared prosperity.