Rupal Kalebere
On August 20, 2024, India and Malaysia embarked on a new chapter in their diplomatic journey, as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, paid his first state visit to India. This visit, marked by comprehensive discussions and strategic dialogues, was not just an affirmation of the existing bond between the two nations but also a crucial step towards deepening their partnership. The visit culminated in the signing of a joint statement, outlining a roadmap for future collaboration and underscoring the significance of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
A Historical Context of India-Malaysia Relations
India and Malaysia share a rich historical and cultural relationship that dates back centuries. The ties between the two nations are rooted in shared history, culture, and trade. Over the years, these connections have evolved into a robust partnership, encompassing various sectors such as trade, defense, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The Indian diaspora in Malaysia, which forms a significant part of the Malaysian society, has played a vital role in strengthening these bonds.
In 2015, the bilateral relationship was elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, reflecting the growing convergence of interests and mutual respect between the two nations. The visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to India marks a continuation of this relationship, with both nations determined to further elevate their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Key Highlights of the Visit
During his visit, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers responsible for foreign affairs, investment, trade, tourism, digital, and human resources. This delegation’s composition reflects the multifaceted nature of the discussions held during the visit, which covered a wide range of topics, from defense and security to digital technologies and cultural exchanges.
One of the significant outcomes of this visit was the mutual recognition of the need to consolidate the Enhanced Strategic Partnership into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This shift signifies a deeper commitment to cooperation across various domains, paving the way for more structured and strategic engagements between the two nations.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
The joint statement issued during the visit highlights the comprehensive nature of the discussions, which covered political, defense, security, economic, trade, digital technologies, healthcare, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people relations. This broad spectrum of cooperation underscores the depth and diversity of the India-Malaysia relationship.
Defense and Security Cooperation:
Defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of the India-Malaysia partnership. Both nations have committed to intensifying their defense collaboration through regular exchanges, joint exercises, and capacity-building initiatives. The focus on defense industry collaboration and research and development (R&D) in defense technologies is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with India’s broader strategy of enhancing its defense manufacturing capabilities and expanding its defense exports.
The joint condemnation of terrorism and the call for states to reject terrorism in all forms is a clear indication of the shared concerns regarding regional security. Both leaders emphasized the importance of addressing the linkages between terrorism and transnational organized crime, further strengthening their resolve to combat these threats through enhanced cooperation.
Economic and Trade Relations:
Economic cooperation has always been a significant aspect of the India-Malaysia relationship. The bilateral trade between the two countries reached a record high of US$19.5 billion, underscoring the robust economic ties. The joint statement highlights the importance of sustaining this momentum and encourages further engagement between industries in both countries to enhance trade in a sustainable manner.
The agreement to support and expedite the review process of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) is a positive step towards simplifying trade processes and strengthening supply chains between India and ASEAN countries. Additionally, the discussions on convening the second Joint Committee Meeting of the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (MICECA) indicate a mutual interest in reflecting contemporary economic priorities in bilateral trade agreements.
Digital Technologies and Innovation:
The digital economy is rapidly becoming a focal point of bilateral cooperation. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Digital Technologies during this visit is a testament to the commitment of both nations to collaborate in this area. The establishment of the Malaysia-India Digital Council is expected to guide engagement in the digital realm, focusing on areas such as digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, emerging technologies like 5G and quantum computing, and digital capacity building.
India’s success with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was acknowledged during the discussions, and there is a shared interest in exploring collaborative opportunities in the payment systems domain. This is indicative of a broader trend towards integrating digital technologies into various aspects of bilateral cooperation, from trade to public administration.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges:
Cultural exchanges and people-to-people relations have always been a significant aspect of India-Malaysia relations. The joint statement reflects a continued commitment to enhancing these ties through initiatives such as the establishment of the Ayurveda Chair at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman in Malaysia and the ongoing discussions for the Tiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies at Universiti Malaya.
The focus on tourism is another critical area of cooperation. The designation of 2026 as Visit Malaysia Year is expected to further boost tourism flows between the two countries. Both nations have relaxed their visa regimes to facilitate greater tourism, which will contribute to closer people-to-people connections and deeper cultural understanding.
Geopolitical and Multilateral Cooperation
In the realm of international relations, both India and Malaysia recognize the importance of adhering to a rules-based international system. The joint statement underscores the commitment of both nations to respect freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as unimpeded lawful commerce, in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. This is a significant affirmation of their shared commitment to maintaining regional stability and peace, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Malaysia’s appreciation of India’s support for ASEAN centrality and India’s commitment to engaging with ASEAN-led mechanisms are crucial for regional stability. The upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship of Malaysia in 2025 will provide further opportunities for deepening India-Malaysia cooperation within the broader ASEAN framework.
A Vision for the Future
The India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a reflection of the growing convergence of interests between the two nations. It is built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity. The joint statement issued during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India is not just a diplomatic document; it is a blueprint for the future of India-Malaysia relations.
The focus on deepening defense and security cooperation, enhancing economic and trade relations, leveraging digital technologies, and fostering cultural and people-to-people exchanges is indicative of a forward-looking partnership. Both nations are poised to play a significant role in shaping the regional and global order, and their partnership will be crucial in addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
As India and Malaysia move forward, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will serve as a guiding framework for their bilateral relations. It will provide the necessary structure for both nations to navigate the complexities of the global landscape while staying true to their shared values and goals.
In conclusion, the visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to India has marked a new beginning in India-Malaysia relations. The comprehensive and forward-looking nature of the discussions and agreements reached during this visit are a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations. As they continue to work together, India and Malaysia will undoubtedly strengthen their partnership, contributing to regional stability, economic prosperity, and a more peaceful and just world.