India and Malaysia decided to upgrade their ties to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ during talks between the two countries’ leaders.
Recent Developments following the Malaysian Prime Minister Visit
- First Visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister Since 2018: The visit marks the first by a Malaysian PM since 2018, following tensions over issues such as the Citizenship Amendment Act, Jammu and Kashmir reorganisation, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Partnership Enhancement: India and Malaysia have elevated their bilateral ties to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,’ expanding beyond the previous ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’ established in 2015.
- Agreements and MoUs: New agreements and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas such as workers’ mobility, digital technology, culture, tourism, sports, and education.
- BRICS Membership: India will assist Malaysia’s bid to join the BRICS grouping, as requested by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
- Geopolitical Discussions: The leaders discussed key geopolitical challenges, including tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of freedom of navigation and peaceful dispute resolution.
- Areas of Cooperation: Both leaders emphasised enhancing cooperation in digital technologies, investments, trade, modern agriculture, education, and military collaboration.
- They also noted the potential for joint operations to safeguard borders.
- Special Allocation: India agreed to a special allocation of 200,000 metric tons of white rice to Malaysia, addressing Malaysia’s concerns over food imports.
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Indian and Malaysian Outlook
Indian Outlook
- Regional Importance: The Indian Prime Minister emphasised Malaysia’s significance as a key partner in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on mutual interests and regional stability.
- Voice of the Global South Summit (VOGSS): India commended Malaysia for its participation in all three editions of the VOGSS, recognizing its role in facilitating dialogue among Global South countries.
Malaysian Outlook
- Appreciation for VOGSS: Malaysia acknowledged India’s initiative in hosting the VOGSS, which provided a valuable platform for Global South nations to address concerns, exchange ideas, and find solutions.
- International Initiatives: Malaysia welcomed India’s leadership in founding the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
- International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): Malaysia’s decision to join the IBCA as a founding member was well-received by India.
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India-Malaysia Relations
- Significance: Surrounded by busy sea lines of communication such as the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, Malaysia is also a key pillar of India’s Act East policy and critical to India’s maritime connectivity strategies.
- Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: India established diplomatic relations with the Federation of Malaya (predecessor state of Malaysia) in 1957 immediately after Malaysia’s independence.
- Diaspora: Malaysia hosts the second largest Person of Indian Origin (PIO) community after the USA.
- Defence: India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation Meeting (MIDCOM),
- Exercise Harimau Shakti is a military exercise between the Indian and Malaysian Armies.
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August 21, 2024
