Modi to Skip World Economic Forum in Davos Amid Diplomatic Calculations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the 56th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, scheduled to begin on January 19.

Participation by former US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already been confirmed for the gathering, while China has yet to decide whether President Xi Jinping will attend.

According to sources in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi’s decision to stay away is aimed at avoiding potential diplomatic discomfort arising from the simultaneous presence of Trump and Shehbaz Sharif at the same forum. The sources said the prime minister does not want the focus of the WEF to shift from global economic challenges to regional disputes, particularly in a setting where unexpected interactions or statements involving Pakistan could emerge in Trump’s presence.

Despite Modi’s absence, India will be represented by a high-level delegation. The delegation includes Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Pralhad Joshi, along with chief ministers from five Indian states.

In diplomatic circles, Modi’s decision is being described as a “strategic absence” rather than disengagement. WEF President Børge Brende had earlier expressed hope that Modi would attend the meeting, but the release of the official Indian delegation list has effectively ruled out the prime minister’s participation.

Notably, Prime Minister Modi also did not attend the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting last year.