Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to attend the Asean summit in Malaysia, scheduled for October 26-28, due to scheduling conflicts, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar set to represent India. There is potential for Modi to participate virtually during the Asean-India summit, which he has led in previous years. This development underscores India’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Asean, enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, and security. The postponement of Modi’s planned trip to Cambodia, originally linked to the Malaysia visit, highlights the dynamic nature of India’s engagement in the region. Strengthening ties with Asean is crucial for India as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape in Southeast Asia.