External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on October 27, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.
Prime Minister Modi will virtually attend the 22nd Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)- India Summit on October 26 at the invitation of Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim.
"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," read a statement issued by the MEA.
The East Asia Summit will offer a chance to discuss the challenges to Indo-Pacific peace, stability and prosperity and also share perceptions regarding regional and international developments.
During the day, PM Modi mentioned that he is eagerly awaiting to participate in the 47th ASEAN-India Summit virtually at Kuala Lumpur. He also welcomed Malaysia for taking over the group's chairmanship.
PM Modi spoke to his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, on Thursday and affirmed that he will be participating in the summit virtually during the Diwali celebrations in India.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are set to be held from October 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "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 added.
In the call, the two leaders talked about enhancing bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation in all sectors.
Posting details of the call on social media, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrote, "Last night, I had a telephone call with my friend, former Republic of India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to talk about initiatives to elevate the Malaysia-India relationship to a more strategic and comprehensive level."
He stressed the significance of the India-Malaysia relationship, further stating, "India continues to be a valued partner of Malaysia in trade and investment, apart from collaborative efforts in the areas of technology, education and security."
Anwar also stated that because of Diwali festivities in India, Prime Minister Modi will join the ASEAN Summit remotely. "I respect that decision and wish him and the whole people of India a Happy Deepavali," he said.
He reaffirmed Malaysia's interest in enhancing relations with India and deepening ASEAN–India cooperation "toward a more peaceful and prosperous region."
As Malaysia gets ready to hold the historic 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, Malaysia is poised to be the diplomatic capital of Southeast Asia during the event.
More than 30 heads of government and state -- comprising leaders of ASEAN countries and important dialogue partners like the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada -- are anticipated to come together at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
There will be discussions on regional peace, economic resilience, and inclusive growth based on Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
The three-day conference will end on October 28 with a closing ceremony and the official passing of the ASEAN Chairmanship to the Philippines, which marks the culmination of a milestone year for Malaysia in promoting regional integration and shared prosperity.
