Trump, Modi Meet Likely at ASEAN Summit in Malaysia This October
All eyes on the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia as Trump and Modi may meet in October, setting ground for QUAD talks and regional diplomacy.
Trump, Modi Meet: All Eyes on ASEAN Summit in Malaysia as Leaders May Set Stage for QUAD Talks
The upcoming ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, scheduled for October 26–28, has drawn global attention as speculation rises over the possibility of a much-anticipated Trump, Modi meet. US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are both expected to be present at the 47th ASEAN Summit, opening the door to a face-to-face meeting that could significantly impact the trajectory of US-India relations. The buzz surrounding this potential encounter stems from their September 16 phone call, which took place on the eve of PM Modi’s 75th birthday. While no official announcement has been made yet, diplomatic observers are watching closely.
Sources familiar with the matter indicate that PM Modi will not be traveling to the United States later this month for the UN General Assembly. This makes the ASEAN Summit a crucial platform for any direct engagement between the two leaders. Although New Delhi and Washington have yet to confirm a bilateral meeting in Malaysia, the possibility remains strong given PM Modi’s track record of attending ASEAN Summits regularly and the confirmation of Trump’s visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
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Anwar Ibrahim recently disclosed that Trump personally called to convey his intention to attend the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian leader announced the news during the Ambank Group’s 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary Dinner, confirming that Trump will join other world leaders, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This development has added weight to the anticipation of a Trump, Modi meet, which could set the stage for critical geopolitical discussions.
If Trump and Modi indeed hold talks during the ASEAN Summit, the implications would be far-reaching. Their engagement could serve as a prelude to the QUAD Leaders’ Summit scheduled in India this November, where leaders of the United States, India, Japan, and Australia are expected to gather. Such a sequence of meetings would not only highlight the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific but also reinforce the commitment of the QUAD nations to regional security and economic cooperation.
The next US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, has already emphasized Trump’s commitment to attending the QUAD Summit. While he stopped short of providing exact dates, Gor confirmed that the US President is keen to meet QUAD leaders in India. This assurance follows the earlier phone conversation between Trump and Modi on June 17, when Trump accepted the Prime Minister’s invitation to visit India for the high-profile summit.
At the same time, questions remain about the clarity of Trump’s broader schedule. India has yet to receive confirmation from the White House on the exact details of his participation in upcoming events. However, the potential of back-to-back summits involving Trump and Modi underscores a critical phase in US-India relations, especially as both nations look to strengthen their roles in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
The ASEAN Summit itself is shaping up to be an influential platform this year. With the confirmed presence of Trump, Modi, and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, the stage is set for high-stakes diplomacy. Regional and global watchers anticipate discussions not just on trade and security, but also on pressing challenges such as technology regulations and the shifting balance of power in Asia. Trump’s recent remarks about reaching an understanding with China on TikTok ownership highlight how global tech and trade issues may also find space in summit dialogues.
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Ultimately, the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia this October is more than a routine diplomatic gathering. It has the potential to mark a turning point in international relations, especially if the Trump, Modi meet materializes. Such an engagement would serve as both a symbolic and strategic step, reinforcing the shared vision of stronger US-India cooperation. As the dates draw closer, the world will be watching Malaysia for signals that could shape the future of diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region.
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