Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim Responds as PM Modi Chooses Virtual Attendance for ASEAN Summit

Modi’s Decision: Diwali or Diplomacy?

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit, opting instead for virtual participation. The reason, according to Anwar, is the timing of Deepavali (Diwali), one of India’s most significant festivals, which overlaps with the summit dates at the end of October. Anwar shared, “He informed me that he will attend virtually due to the ongoing Deepavali celebrations in India at that time. I respect his decision and extended my greetings for a happy Deepavali to him and the entire people of India.” (Hindustan Times)

But in the world of international relations, a leader’s absence rarely goes unnoticed. With Modi choosing to attend virtually, speculation quickly surfaced about whether the move was purely personal, or if it reflected deeper diplomatic calculations.

Missed Encounters: The Trump Factor

This year’s summit is unique for another reason: Malaysia has invited US President Donald Trump, alongside leaders from ASEAN’s dialogue partners. Trump is scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on October 26 for a two-day visit. The possibility of a Modi-Trump encounter, especially in the current geopolitical climate, was a subject of much anticipation—and some controversy.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to social media to suggest that Modi’s decision to skip the summit may have less to do with Diwali and more to do with avoiding direct engagement with Trump. Ramesh pointed out that Modi had similarly declined an invitation to the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, hinting at a pattern of steering clear of potentially delicate optics involving the US President. “Posting messages in praise of President Trump on social media is one thing. But to be seen hobnobbing physically with the man who has claimed 53 times that he stopped Op Sindoor and 5 times that India has promised to stop buying oil from Russia is another matter. It’s far too risky for him,” Ramesh noted, with a touch of Bollywood humor: “Bachke re rehna re baba, bachke rehna re.” (Hindustan Times)

Whether Modi’s absence was truly about Diwali or about diplomatic caution, the result is clear: the much-hyped potential meeting between the Indian and US leaders will not materialize in Kuala Lumpur.

Bilateral Relations: Commitment Amid Distance

Despite the missed opportunity for in-person diplomacy, both leaders emphasized the strength of Malaysia-India relations. Anwar Ibrahim stated that he had a “warm conversation” with Modi, focusing on efforts to raise bilateral ties to a more strategic and comprehensive level. Trade, investment, technology, education, and regional security remain pillars of cooperation between the two nations.

“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,” Anwar said. He reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to further strengthening both bilateral and ASEAN-India cooperation, aiming for a “more peaceful and prosperous region.”

Modi echoed this sentiment in a post on X, congratulating Anwar on Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship and expressing eagerness to join the ASEAN-India Summit virtually. “Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually, and to further deepening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Modi wrote. (Bloomberg)

ASEAN-India Relations: A Steady Evolution

ASEAN-India dialogue began in 1992 as a sectoral partnership, evolving into a full dialogue partnership by 1995 and a summit-level partnership in 2002. In 2012, the relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership. Today, with the ten ASEAN members—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia—India’s engagement covers trade, investment, security, and defense.

The region’s importance is underscored by ongoing efforts to boost cooperation. India and ASEAN have both expressed commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, a goal that remains relevant whether leaders meet face-to-face or through screens.

Regional Diplomacy: Optics and Opportunity

For seasoned observers, Modi’s virtual attendance raises questions about the changing nature of high-level diplomacy. In-person meetings often serve as catalysts for breakthroughs, photo opportunities, and subtle signaling among world leaders. Virtual participation, while pragmatic in the era of global health concerns and digital connectivity, can sometimes dilute the impact of personal engagement.

Congress leaders in India lamented the missed chance for Modi to engage with other global figures, suggesting that the absence could affect his image as a “self-styled Vishwaguru”—a world teacher and statesman. Yet, others point out that in today’s hyper-connected world, strategic relationships can be maintained and advanced even without the drama of handshakes and stage-managed summits.

Looking Ahead: Diplomacy in a Hybrid Era

The ASEAN meetings are scheduled from October 26-28, with Malaysia playing host to a diverse array of leaders and delegations. Modi’s decision to participate virtually may be a sign of the times, reflecting both the personal significance of Diwali and the evolving landscape of diplomatic engagement.

As Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim and India’s Narendra Modi exchange greetings and reaffirm their commitment to regional cooperation, the summit itself continues—blending tradition with technology, and personal priorities with the demands of international politics.

Assessment: Modi’s choice to attend the ASEAN Summit virtually, as confirmed by Anwar Ibrahim, highlights the intersection of cultural priorities and diplomatic strategy in contemporary international relations. While some see missed opportunities in the absence of face-to-face engagement, the reaffirmation of bilateral and regional commitments suggests that substantive diplomacy can transcend physical presence—though the optics and symbolic value of in-person meetings remain significant for global leadership.