PM Modi Likely to Skip Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt, Kirti Vardhan Singh to Represent India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to skip the high-level Gaza peace summit in Egypt, despite receiving a personal invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The summit, co-chaired by US President Donald Trump and El-Sisi, brings together over 20 world leaders to finalise the US-brokered Gaza peace deal and discuss post-war reconstruction. Instead, Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh will represent India at the talks.

Speculation is rife over Modi’s absence, which appears to be influenced by both Pakistan-related tensions and recent frictions with the United States. The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, carried out by Pakistan-backed militants and claiming 26 lives, escalated Indo-Pak tensions. In response, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and closed the Attari-Wagah border crossing, signaling a firm stance against countries allegedly backing terrorism.

At the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China last month, PM Modi publicly highlighted nations supporting terrorism, underscoring India’s position on the global stage. Social media footage showed Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin bypassing Pakistani Prime Minister Sharif during a summit photograph, reflecting India’s hardline approach despite Sharif’s earlier attempts at dialogue.

On the US front, Modi’s absence may also relate to tensions arising from Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, imposed due to India’s continued Russian oil imports. Modi had reportedly avoided direct calls from Trump multiple times, although recent discussions around the 20-point Gaza peace plan and bilateral trade negotiations have seen both leaders engage. Modi described the peace plan as a “viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security, and development” and urged global support for the initiative.

Observers note that PM Modi’s decision to skip the summit underscores India’s careful diplomatic balancing act between supporting Middle East peace efforts and asserting its stance on regional security and global trade matters.

As world leaders convene in Cairo, India’s representation by Kirti Vardhan Singh signals continuity in diplomacy while allowing the Prime Minister to prioritize domestic and strategic international concerns.