India, Oct. 23 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that he will participate in the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur virtually. His decision effectively rules out any possibility of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the event.

"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 the upcoming Summits. Look forward to joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually and to further deepening the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," Modi posted on X.

Taking a dig at the Prime Minister's decision, the Congress claimed the reason was "simple." "He just doesn't wa...