Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Malaysia later this month to participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26-27, 2025.
The spotlight is on a possible meeting between PM Modi and US President Donald Trump if Trump attends the summit. This meeting is particularly significant as it would be the first encounter between the two leaders since the imposition of a 50% tariff on Indian goods by the United States.
Tariff Dispute and Strained Ties
In September, the US imposed a 25% tariff on India and an additional 25% punitive duty on purchases of Russian oil. President Trump accused India of indirectly supporting Russia’s attacks on Ukraine by buying oil from Moscow.
India strongly criticized these measures, escalating tensions between New Delhi and Washington. However, diplomatic efforts are underway to reduce friction ahead of the ASEAN Summit.
Missed Opportunities Earlier
This potential bilateral engagement in Malaysia gains importance as Modi and Trump could not meet at the G7 Summit in Canada (June 15-17) due to scheduling challenges. If Trump attends, it would mark the first multilateral event featuring both leaders since the tariff dispute began.
Strategic Significance
The ASEAN Summit will not only focus on regional cooperation but also provide a platform for crucial India-US dialogue. Observers expect discussions on trade, tariffs, and geopolitical developments, particularly in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
