Prime Minister Narendra Modi will skip travelling to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit later this week and instead participate virtually, a decision that has triggered much speculation in diplomatic and political circles.

While the Ministry of External Affairs has not given an official reason, several factors appear to have influenced the move.

According to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who spoke with Modi over phone on Wednesday, the Indian leader cited ongoing Deepavali festivities in India as the reason for attending the summit online. “He informed me that he will attend it virtually due to the ongoing Deepavali celebrations in India at that time. I respect his decision and extend my Deepavali greetings to him and all the people of India,” Anwar posted on X.

However, p

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