The summit, hosted by Malaysia, will review the progress of ASEAN-India relations and discuss new initiatives to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The MEA said that strengthening relations with ASEAN remains a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.

India and the US are working towards a long-stalled trade deal aimed at reducing US tariffs on Indian imports from the current 50 percent. India and the US aim to boost bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030. Goyal was also recently in Germany to discuss the India-EU FTA among other things.

This marks a significant moment in the election campaign as the PM will address public rallies in Bihar, starting with Samastipur at 12:15 PM and then in Begusarai at 2 PM. The Prime Minister will start the election campaign from Samastipur, the birthplace of Bharat Ratna Karpoori Thakur.