Context:
India and Malaysia have recently advanced their bilateral relations by upgrading to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This significant enhancement in their diplomatic ties occurred during the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to India. The discussions held between the leaders of both nations have paved the way for deeper cooperation, emphasizing a renewed commitment to mutual interests and strategic collaboration. This partnership marks a pivotal development in strengthening the ties between the two countries, promising a future of increased collaboration in various sectors.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- Key Outcomes from the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Visit to India
- Highlights of India-Malaysia Relations
Key Outcomes from the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Visit to India
- Upgraded Strategic Partnership: The existing Enhanced Strategic Partnership from 2015 was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Trade Achievements: Bilateral trade hit a record of USD 19.5 billion, highlighting strong economic ties and expanding trade relations.
- Investment Encouragements: There was a push for further investments in sectors like fintech, energy, digital technologies, and startups to boost economic cooperation.
- ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA): Commitment to support and expedite AITIGA’s review to enhance its effectiveness and the supply chain between India and ASEAN by 2025.
- Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): Multiple MoUs were signed to enhance cooperation in:
- Worker management between the two countries.
- Ayurveda and traditional medicine, including the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.
- Digital fields such as cybersecurity, AI, quantum computing, and digital public infrastructure, including integration of India’s UPI with Malaysia’s PayNet.
- Cultural and Tourism Initiatives:
- Promotions to enhance cultural exchange and heritage preservation.
- Easier travel facilitation between the two countries, highlighting Malaysia’s designation of 2026 as Visit Malaysia Year.
- Defense and Security Collaboration: Increased cooperation through regular exchanges, joint exercises, and a focus on expanding defense industry capabilities.
- Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Joint commitment to combat terrorism and its ties with transnational organized crime.
- Education and Training: Malaysia received 100 seats under India’s ITEC Programme for fields like cybersecurity and AI.
- ASEAN Relations: Support for Malaysia’s role in ASEAN and upcoming chairmanship in 2025, including efforts to join BRICS.
- UN Collaboration: Support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
- Sustainable Energy and Climate Initiatives: Collaboration on sustainable energy and climate change mitigation, including Malaysia’s participation in the International Big Cat Alliance.
- Global Climate Commitments: Recognition of India’s leadership through the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
Highlights of India-Malaysia Relations:
- Historical Connections: Rooted in history, the ties between India and Malaysia date back to the times of the Chola Empire between the 9th and 13th centuries. This era was marked by the establishment of vital maritime trade routes from South India to the Malay Peninsula.
- Chola Dynasty Influence: Notable emperors such as Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I expanded their realm to include regions of modern-day Malaysia, influencing its cultural and historical landscape.
- Trade Relations: Currently, Malaysia ranks as India’s 13th most significant trade partner, notably within the top ten in ASEAN. Major exports to Malaysia include mineral fuels and metals, while imports feature palm oil and electronic components.
- Economic Agreements: The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) has been in effect since 2011, enhancing trade and investment flows.
- Currency Exchange: As of July 2022, transactions between the two nations can be conducted in Indian Rupees, thanks to facilitation by the India International Bank of Malaysia.
- ASEAN Collaboration: The ASEAN-India Business Summit in 2023 marked 30 years of progressive engagement, highlighting strong ties between India, Malaysia, and other ASEAN members.
- Defense and Security: The foundational 1993 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation has fostered joint military projects and operations, with recent expansions during Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit in 2023.
- Military Exercises: Joint military exercises like Harimau Shakti, Samudra Lakshmana, and Udara Shakti have bolstered military relations between the nations.
- Cultural and Community Ties: Malaysia is home to the second-largest community of Persons of Indian Origin globally, with a vibrant mix of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Punjabi speakers.
- Cultural Projects and Immigration Concerns: While there are concerns over immigration and labor issues, cultural projects like the Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur (renamed after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose) promote Indian arts and language.
- Cultural Influence: The epic Ramayana resonates deeply within Malaysian culture, influencing local adaptations and artistic expressions.
- Shared Heritage Sites: The Sri Veera Hanuman Temple in Malaysia stands as a significant symbol of shared Indo-Malaysian heritage.
-Source: Indian Express
