MEA Confirms Jaishankar To Represent PM Modi At 20th East Asia Summit In Kuala Lumpur

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will attend the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 27 October on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Prime Minister, meanwhile, will attend the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit virtually on 26 October at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

According to the MEA, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ASEAN leaders will jointly review the progress in ASEAN-India relations and discuss initiatives for strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Strengthening the relationship with ASEAN is a key pillar of our Act East Policy and our Indo-Pacific vision.”

The East Asia Summit will serve as a key platform for discussions on regional peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, while also allowing leaders to exchange perspectives on major global developments.

PM Modi Expresses Enthusiasm for ASEAN Engagement

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm about participating virtually in the 47th ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur and congratulated Malaysia on assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship.

During a phone conversation with his Malaysian counterpart, the Prime Minister confirmed his virtual participation in view of the Diwali celebrations in India.

The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits will take place from 26 to 28 October in Kuala Lumpur.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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 upcoming Summits.”

“Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and to further deepening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he further added.

Both leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and expand collaboration across multiple sectors during their conversation.

Providing further details, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim shared on social media, “Last night, I received a phone call from a colleague of the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Narendra Modi, to discuss efforts to strengthen Malaysia–India bilateral relations to a more strategic and comprehensive level.”

Underscoring the depth of the partnership, Anwar noted, “India remains an important partner for Malaysia in the fields of trade and investment, in addition to close cooperation in the sectors of technology, education, and regional security.”

Citing Diwali celebrations in India, Anwar said the Prime Minister would join the meetings virtually.

“I respect his decision and extended my greetings for a happy Deepavali to him and the entire people of India,” he added.

He went on to reaffirm Malaysia’s dedication to strengthening cooperation with India and enhancing ASEAN–India engagement ‘towards a more peaceful and prosperous region’.

Malaysia Gears Up to Host 47th ASEAN Summit

As host of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, Malaysia will serve as the diplomatic hub of Southeast Asia during the three-day event.

More than 30 heads of state and government, including leaders from ASEAN member nations and key dialogue partners such as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, will likely participate at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Deliberations at the summit will focus on regional peace, economic resilience, and inclusive growth under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.

The summit will close on 28 October with a formal handover of the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines, concluding a notable year for Malaysia in promoting regional cooperation and shared progress.

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