MALAYSIAN PM VISITS INDIA
The Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim visits India.
The key outcome among other outcomes was India Malaysia partnership has been upgraded to
Comprehensive strategic Partnership.
HISTORY OF THE TIES
Diplomatic Beginnings: India established diplomatic relations with the Federation of Malaya (which later became Malaysia) in 1957. This marked the formal start of bilateral interactions.
1960s Relationship: The relationship between the two countries was notably strong during the 1960s, facilitated by the personal friendship between Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.
- Recent Initiatives:
- PM Abdullah Badawi (2004-2009): Under his leadership, Malaysia actively worked to enhance relations with India through various initiatives.
- PM Dato’ Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak: His tenure also saw efforts to strengthen bilateral ties with India.
- People-to-People Relations:
- Indian Diaspora: Malaysia is home to approximately 2.75 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), making it the second largest PIO community globally and the third largest Indian diaspora worldwide, totaling about 2.9 million. This significant diaspora fosters strong cultural and personal connections between the two countries.
- Enhanced Strategic Partnership: In November 2015, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia, the bilateral relationship was elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership. This upgrade marked a new phase in the relationship, emphasizing deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.
KEY EVENTS
- Ceremonial Reception: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was given a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and paid respects at Raj Ghat.
- Meetings: Discussions were held with Prime Minister Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also addressed the Indian Council of World Affairs.
- MoUs Signed: The leaders witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as recruitment, Ayurveda, digital technologies, culture, tourism, and financial services.
KEY OUTCOMES
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:
- The leaders agreed that the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, established in 2015, has evolved into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, reflecting deepening bilateral engagement across various sectors.
- Economic and Trade Relations:
- Trade Volume: Bilateral trade has reached a record high of $19.5 billion. Both leaders urged for continued growth in trade and investment, supported by the high-level CEOs Forum.
- Investment: Growing bilateral investments were welcomed, with encouragement for cooperation across multiple sectors.
- ASEAN-India Trade: Both sides agreed to expedite the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and strengthen supply chains.
- Digital and Technological Cooperation:
- Digital Technologies: A new MoU was signed, and the formation of a Malaysia-India Digital Council was encouraged to boost collaboration in areas like 5G, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
- Start-ups: Discussions between Start-up India and Cradle Fund of Malaysia will continue through an India-Malaysia Start-up Alliance.
- Defense and Security:
- Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of defense cooperation and agreed to enhance collaboration through regular dialogues, exercises, and R&D.
- Terrorism and Organized Crime:
- The leaders condemned terrorism and committed to working together to counter terrorism and transnational organized crime, emphasizing information sharing and best practices.
- Higher Education and Capacity Building:
- Education: Malaysia welcomed 100 seats under India’s ITEC Programme for training in cybersecurity, AI, and machine learning.
- New Initiatives: Establishment of the Ayurveda Chair at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Tiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies at Universiti Malaya was discussed.
- Climate Change and Sustainable Energy:
- International Cooperation: Both countries committed to addressing climate change, recognizing India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Malaysia will join the International Big Cat Alliance as a founding member.
- Tourism and People-to-People Exchanges:
- Visa Regimes: The relaxation of visa regimes was noted, with a focus on increasing tourism flows. India will designate 2026 as Visit Malaysia year.
- International and Multilateral Cooperation:
- UN Reforms: Both leaders pledged to work together to enhance multilateralism and support for a reformed UN Security Council, with India appreciating Malaysia’s backing for India’s permanent membership.
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