Thu Oct 23 08:32:55 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text, along with a brief summary preceding it:

Summary:

The Indian National Congress is alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is avoiding the upcoming ASEAN summit in Malaysia to avoid potential confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Congress claims Modi fears being publicly challenged by Trump on issues like “Operation Sindoor” and India’s oil imports from Russia. The government has officially cited scheduling issues as the reason for Modi’s virtual attendance.

News Article:

Modi Skips ASEAN Summit to Avoid Trump? Congress Claims PM Fears Confrontation

New Delhi, October 23, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to attend the ASEAN summit in Malaysia virtually has sparked controversy, with the Congress party alleging the move is a deliberate attempt to avoid U.S. President Donald Trump.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh asserted today that Modi is sidestepping a potential confrontation with Trump, who is expected to be present at the summit. Ramesh argued that while Modi has publicly expressed support for Trump on social media, a face-to-face meeting carries significant risk.

“Posting messages in praise of President Trump on social media is one thing,” Ramesh stated. “But to be seen hobnobbing physically with the man who has claimed 53 times that he stopped Operation Sindoor and has claimed five times that India has promised to stop buying oil from Russia is far too risky for the Prime Minister.”

The Congress leader further mocked Modi’s missed opportunity for photo-ops with world leaders, suggesting the Prime Minister is sacrificing a chance to project himself as a “Vishwaguru” (world leader). Ramesh also pointed to Modi’s recent decision to skip the Gaza peace summit in Egypt as further evidence of his reluctance to engage with President Trump.

Government sources, however, maintain that Modi’s virtual attendance is due to scheduling conflicts. The ASEAN summit is scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 26-28. The Prime Minister has already spoken with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, regarding the summit.

The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) summit will be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26 to 28.

This is not the first time questions have been raised about interactions between the two leaders. The Congress continues to monitor this situation

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