New Delhi: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the Modi ASEAN summit Kuala Lumpur 2025 next week, where he will engage with leaders from the Quad and BRICS groupings amid rising geopolitical tensions. The summit, hosted in Malaysia’s capital from 26 to 28 October 2025, offers Modi a platform to discuss bilateral ties and multilateral issues with counterparts including US President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
The Modi ASEAN summit Kuala Lumpur 2025 holds significance for South Asia as it underscores India’s efforts to deepen economic and strategic partnerships with Southeast Asian nations, potentially boosting trade routes and security cooperation that benefit neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh through enhanced regional stability.
Modi Malaysia Visit ASEAN: Key Attendees and Agenda
The Modi Malaysia visit ASEAN comes at a critical juncture for India ASEAN relations summit. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan stated last week that Modi would participate in the ASEAN-related summits, including the East Asia Summit. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not issued an official confirmation, with government sources indicating attendance is likely.
At the summit, Modi will encounter Quad partners: US President Donald Trump, Japanese representatives, and Australian leaders. He will also meet BRICS founders, including Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Russian delegates, Brazilian President Lula da Silva as an observer, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in a similar capacity. This overlap highlights India’s unique position as the sole common member in both alliances, which often pursue conflicting objectives. One aligned with US interests and the other with Russia and China.
Discussions are expected to cover global economic challenges, such as declining growth rates, investment uncertainties, unilateral trade measures, and supply chain disruptions. MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Sudhakar Dalela noted at a Delhi conference: “India’s BRICS chairship comes at a time when the world is navigating through multiple challenges, particularly affecting the Global South countries.” He added that the downward trend in global economic growth and disruptions define the current landscape.
The Modi Malaysia visit ASEAN could facilitate sideline meetings, including a potential encounter between Modi and Trump. Indian and American officials are coordinating this, amid ongoing US-India tensions over India’s Russian oil purchases, sanctions on Iran a new BRICS member and threats of 100% tariffs on BRICS nations exploring alternatives to the US dollar.
India ASEAN Relations Summit: Historical Context and Strategic Importance
India’s engagement in the India ASEAN relations summit dates back to 1992, when it became a sectoral dialogue partner. Ties elevated to a strategic partnership in 2012, with annual summits fostering cooperation in trade, defence, and connectivity. The 20th ASEAN-India Summit in September 2023, led by Modi, focused on post-pandemic recovery and maritime security.
In 2025, the Modi ASEAN summit Kuala Lumpur 2025 builds on this foundation. India’s Act East Policy prioritises ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching USD 130 billion in 2024, according to government data. Malaysia, as ASEAN chair, hosts the event, emphasising digital economy, sustainable development, and regional peace.
The Modi Malaysia visit ASEAN aligns with India’s preparations to host the Quad Summit originally slated for 2025 but possibly deferred to 2026 due to bilateral strains and the BRICS Summit in 2026. India assumes BRICS chairship that year, marking the grouping’s 20th anniversary. Expanded to 11 members, BRICS represents emerging economies facing shared hurdles.
For South Asia, stronger India ASEAN relations summit mean opportunities in supply chains and infrastructure. Initiatives like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway could extend benefits to the region, promoting cross-border trade. However.
Geopolitical Balancing Act at Modi ASEAN Summit Kuala Lumpur 2025
The Modi ASEAN summit Kuala Lumpur 2025 places India in a delicate position. As the reference highlights, Modi may need to navigate choices between Quad’s focus on Indo-Pacific security and BRICS’s emphasis on multipolarity. Quad, comprising the US, India, Australia, and Japan, aims to counter regional influences, while BRICS, Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and others seeks economic independence.
Recent developments exacerbate this. US threats over India’s energy imports from Russia and potential tariffs on BRICS currencies add pressure. If the Quad Summit skips 2025, it would mark the second year of delays attributed to US-India frictions.
Yet, the summit offers dialogue avenues. Modi’s participation in the previous Quad meeting in Tokyo on 24 May underscores commitment. In Kuala Lumpur, talks could address these issues, paving the way for India’s 2026 hosting roles.
Malaysia, as host, supports inclusive agendas. Its foreign minister’s announcement signals high expectations for productive outcomes. ASEAN’s neutral stance allows such convergences, fostering India ASEAN relations summit amid global shifts.
Background
ASEAN, founded in 1967, comprises 10 Southeast Asian nations with a combined GDP exceeding USD 3 trillion. India’s ties have grown through frameworks like the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area, operational since 2010. The Modi government has invested in connectivity projects, including USD 1 billion Credit lines for infrastructure.
In 2025, Malaysia’s chairship themes include innovation and resilience. The summit’s inclusion of observers like Brazil and South Africa broadens scope, linking ASEAN with Global South priorities.
What’s Next
As the Modi ASEAN summit Kuala Lumpur 2025 approaches, outcomes could shape India’s foreign policy trajectory. Successful engagements might resolve tensions, strengthening alliances ahead of 2026 summits.
The Modi ASEAN summit Kuala Lumpur 2025 remains pivotal for advancing India ASEAN relations summit and navigating global divides.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 21st, 2025
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