Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to miss the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, which is set to take place from October 26 to 28, 2025. This decision is due to scheduling conflicts, as reported by sources on October 22, 2025. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the summit.

While there has been no official announcement regarding India's participation level, it is suggested that PM Modi may join the ASEAN-India summit virtually. In recent years, he has consistently led Indian delegations at both the ASEAN-India summit and the East Asia Summit.

The summit in Kuala Lumpur will also see the attendance of notable leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to visit Malaysia on the same dates. The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) comprises ten member countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.

India's relationship with ASEAN has strengthened significantly over the years, focusing on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, security, and defense. Initially, PM Modi was considering a visit to Cambodia alongside Malaysia, but this trip has now been postponed due to his absence from the ASEAN summit.

The ASEAN-India dialogue began in 1992, evolving from a sectoral partnership to a strategic partnership by 2012. This ongoing collaboration highlights the growing ties between India and ASEAN nations, which have been increasingly important in regional diplomacy and economic relations.