Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 23 said that he is looking forward to virtually attending the 47th ASEAN-India Summit, being held in Kuala Lumpur, and also congratulated Malaysia for assuming the chairmanship of the group. He called his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim and confirmed that he will attend the summit virtually amid the Diwali festivities in India.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits are scheduled to take place from October 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur. 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.
During the conversation, both leaders discussed deepening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors. Sharing details of the exchange, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in a social media post, “Last night I received a phone call from my friend, former Prime Minister of the Republic of India Narendra Modi, to discuss efforts to take the Malaysia-India relationship to a more strategic and comprehensive level.”
He emphasised the importance of the India-Malaysia partnership, adding, “India remains an important partner of Malaysia in the field of trade and investment, besides cooperation in the sectors of technology, education and security.” Anwar further announced that due to Diwali celebrations in India, Prime Minister Modi will participate in the ASEAN Summit virtually. “I respect that decision and extend my Deepavali greetings to him and the entire people of India,” he said.
