India's prime minister has pulled out of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, stunning organisers who considered him a major drawcard for the October event.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been long-attached to publicity for CHOGM to be held in October, with potential access into India's markets being a major selling point for the event.
A CHOGM spokeswoman told AAP Mr Singh would not be attending the event and could not provide an explanation for his absence.
India will instead be represented by its vice president Hamid Ansari.
"We are naturally disappointed that the Indian prime minister will not be in Perth, but (Prime Minister Julia Gillard) looks forward to welcoming the vice president to Australia and to his participation in CHOGM," she said.
Mr Singh has attended the previous two CHOGM events in Uganda and Trinidad and Tobago.
His attendance in Perth would have been the first visit to Australia by an Indian prime minister in 25 years.
CHOGM 2011 will be held over three days from October 28 to 30 bringing together up to 4000 leaders, delegates and media representatives from up to 53 Commonwealth nations.
Political leaders and delegates have until the end of August to confirm their attendance for CHOGM.
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