Trump factor leads PM to duck Malaysia trip, says Cong

THE Congress on Thursday claimed that the reason for Prime Minister Narendra Modi not travelling to Malaysia for the Asean summit was that he does not want to be cornered by US President Donald Trump.

- PARVEZ SULTAN @New Delhi

In a social media post, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said that for the same reason, Modi had not attended the Gaza peace summit in Egypt a few weeks back.

“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,” Jairam posted on ‘X’.