(Commonwealth)_ India and Malaysia, the two other Asian pace-setter democracies, are further strengthening their relationship through high-level diplomatic engagements and mutual strategic appreciations. The latest BRICS summit—a Brazil-hosted meeting of the Indian Prime Minister and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim— is another milestone in this new budding relationship.
Malaysia has a central position in India’s regional policy, particularly in the Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. Both policies aim to strengthen India’s position in Southeast Asian nations by the process of creating connectivity, sea engagement, and economic integration in the Indian Ocean and Pacific. Geopolitically located as well as economically engaged, Malaysia is a perfect partner for this vision.
During the meeting, both the leaders reviewed the bilateral momentum created since Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s successful visit to India in 2024. The visit had provided the groundwork for fresh contact in several fields, and the recent meeting re-emphasised once again the priority of such areas of interest, first among them being information technology, green energy, and infrastructure development. These industries provide a collective economic benefit and bring collective goals of sustainability, digitalisation, and regional interconnectivity.
Information Technology (IT) remains to draw in as the shiniest industry to partner. Since India is a world IT hub, it has more capability in software coding, cybersecurity, and e-governance that can supplement Malaysia’s aim to be a digital-first nation. Partnership in digital public infrastructure, capacity building, and research partnerships can enhance both countries’ ability in the IT sector.
Clean energy represents another strategic frontier. India and Malaysia, both eager to meet ambitious climate goals, have recognised the potential for technology transfer, investment models, and regulatory changes. Indian solar and wind power technology coupled with Malaysian biomass potential and its green energy investment model can define complementary relationships. The two leaders discussed collaborative models of mass production of solar panels and electric mobility solutions.
Building infrastructure, smart cities, and transport connectivity are also at the heart of the renewed interest. Indian industry has gained greater popularity in Southeast Asian infrastructure projects, and an open and dynamic Malaysian economy is eager for such investment. India’s mega-infrastructure experience, highways, and city transport can drive Malaysia’s journey towards modernity, and Malaysian investment in India’s industrial parks and logistics can do the same in promoting bilateral growth.
In addition to sectoral cooperation, the leaders also deliberated on the overall investment and economic climate. They deliberated on enhancing bilateral trade, which has exceeded USD 20 billion in recent years and holds immense potential. Every possible effort is being made to reduce trade barriers, ease customs clearance, and foster business-to-business exchange. Extra emphasis was laid on manufacturing investments, fintech, tourism, and education.
People-to-people and cultural ties were identified as being among the pillars of India-Malaysia relations. With a significant Indian-origin population living in Malaysia and growing education and tourism ties, the people-to-people dimensions of the relationship continue to strengthen further. We are also strengthening air links and student exchange to foster greater social and cultural integration.
On the whole, the Brazilian summit has reaffirmed yet again the strategic value of the India-Malaysia alliance. As the two nations navigate very uncertain global times guided by economic volatility and geopolitical shifts, their alliance is an example of inter-regional camaraderie and co-progress. United by a common conviction in democracy, development, and sustainability, India and Malaysia are well on their way to writing a new history of development and prosperity for Asia.
