Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I’m Nelson John and here are today’s top stories.

Modi Skips ASEAN Summit as Trump Heads to Malaysia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the ASEAN Summit virtually, skipping what’s being billed as the largest gathering of world leaders in ASEAN history. The decision, officially linked to Chhath Puja, comes as US President Donald Trump lands in Kuala Lumpur in person. Over 30 leaders, including China’s Li Qiang and Brazil’s Lula, are attending. With India-US ties strained by Trump’s steep 50% tariffs on Indian goods, Modi’s absence avoids an awkward meet without a trade breakthrough. Talks to reduce tariffs to 15–16% are ongoing, but India is treading carefully amid delicate diplomacy — balancing QUAD and BRICS ties at once. Kuala Lumpur, meanwhile, is under lockdown with 16,000 officers on duty.

Siddaramaiah’s Son Upsets Karnataka’s Succession Equation

Yathindra Siddaramaiah has thrown a curveball into Karnataka politics by backing minister Satish Jarkiholi as his father’s successor — sidelining Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. With the Congress government hitting its halfway mark, talk of a “November revolution” is gaining traction. For Shivakumar, once seen as next in line, the message is clear: the race is no longer his alone.

Indian Army Goes Tech-First

India’s Army is arming up for the future — signing a ₹2,770-crore deal with Bharat Forge and Adani’s PLR Systems for 4.25 lakh modern carbines. New drone platoons and elite commando battalions are rolling out, while US-made Javelin missiles are being added. The shift marks a major leap from manpower-heavy to AI-driven combat readiness.

Meta Cuts 600 Jobs in AI Reality Check

Meta’s AI dream just hit turbulence — 600 layoffs at its AI Superintelligence Labs. Despite a $14 billion spree to hire top AI talent, several big names have already quit. CEO Alexandr Wang says “leaner is faster,” but the move reveals internal tension between expensive new hires and a thinning support base.

Trump Slaps Russia with Oil Sanctions, Eyes India Next

President Trump has sanctioned Russia’s oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, warning Putin to end the Ukraine war. The move also turns the heat on India, with Trump insisting Modi promised to cut Russian oil imports — claims New Delhi hasn’t confirmed. The message from Washington: stop buying Russian oil or face crushing tariffs.