Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel to Kuala Lumpur from October 25 to 27 for the ASEAN and East Asia Summits, where discussions will focus on trade, strategic alignments, and India’s upcoming role as BRICS chair.
While the visit has not been officially confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs, Malaysian officials have announced his participation. The meetings will bring Modi together with leaders from the United States, Japan, China and Australia, at a time when India’s external relations are being tested on multiple fronts.
A major focus will be the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). New Delhi has submitted a counter-proposal seeking to address a growing trade imbalance, with India’s deficit with ASEAN rising to over $45 billion in FY25 from $7 billion when the pact took effect in 2010.
Indian negotiators are pressing for improved market access in sectors such as agriculture, automobiles and pharmaceuticals, and are also raising concerns over non-tariff barriers and the rerouting of Chinese goods through ASEAN countries.
ASEAN members have acknowledged India’s concerns, and both sides aim to conclude the review by year-end. A joint statement outlining the next steps is expected during the summit.
On the sidelines, Modi may meet U.S. President Donald Trump, marking their first in-person engagement since Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods in August, including 25 per cent over crude oil imports from Russia. Discussions are expected to include the stalled trade pact, defence cooperation, and the delayed Quad summit, which India was initially scheduled to host.
India’s role in both the Quad and BRICS will also draw attention. With New Delhi set to host the BRICS summit in 2026 and chair the Quad the same year, it faces the challenge of balancing its engagement between the U.S.-led and China-Russia-led groupings. Coordination among Quad members continues in defence and technology, with joint coast guard exercises and supply chain initiatives likely to be announced.
The summit will also feature discussions on critical minerals and clean energy supply chains, with India seeking stronger cooperation with ASEAN countries that possess key resources. These efforts align with regional initiatives promoting green economy partnerships and digital trade.
The Kuala Lumpur meetings come at a pivotal moment, as India navigates trade challenges, shifting alliances, and a crowded diplomatic calendar in its push to shape the regional agenda.
