PM Modi Skips Kuala Lumpur Summit in Person to Avoid Trump, Alleges Jairam Ramesh
Congress leader alleges Modi’s absence from the summit is aimed at dodging US President Donald Trump amid diplomatic sensitivities
New Delhi, Oct 23 : Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Thursday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the upcoming Kuala Lumpur Summit in person, suggesting the move is intended to avoid US President Donald Trump.
Ramesh, in a post on social media platform X, wrote, “For days the speculation has been will He or won’t He? Will Mr. Modi go to Kuala Lumpur for the Summit or not? Now it appears certain that the PM will not go. It means the loss of so many opportunities to hug and get photo ops with world leaders or to flaunt himself as the self-styled Vishwaguru.”
He further claimed that Modi’s absence is “simple” to explain: “He just doesn’t want to be cornered by President Trump who will also be there. He refused an invitation to attend the Gaza peace summit in Egypt a few weeks back, precisely for this reason.”
Ramesh highlighted a perceived contrast between Modi’s online praise of Trump and the reluctance to meet him face-to-face. “Posting messages in praise of President Trump on social media is one thing. But to be seen hobnobbing physically with the man who has claimed 53 times that he stopped Op Sindoor and has claimed 5 times that India has promised to stop buying oil from Russia is another matter. It’s far too risky for him,” he wrote.
Adding a cultural note, Ramesh referenced a popular Bollywood song, saying, “The PM may well be recalling that old hit: Bachke re rehna re baba, bachke rehna re,” implying caution on Modi’s part.
The Kuala Lumpur Summit, which brings together several global leaders, is regarded as a significant diplomatic platform. Modi’s decision to participate only virtually marks a notable absence from a key international engagement. The Prime Minister himself confirmed that he will attend the ASEAN summit virtually.
