The ongoing shifts in regional politics and global economies were evident during both visits. Diplomatic discussions were conducted quietly but provided significant path-dependent strategies for both sides. Both countries made known their desire for increased cooperation, as shown through joint statements from the leaders. Trade, security, and technology framed the basis of conversation between the leaders.
The ceremonial welcomes obscured the substantive discussions between the leaders that were held in private locations. Regional instability has increased the need for bilateral coordination between the two countries. Economic diversification emerged as a common priority. Supply chain issues and varying levels of security risk helped frame the conversations.
The meetings illustrated the confidence that has been gained through a series of diplomatic upgrade initiatives. Both countries will attempt to turn the symbolic sayings of the meetings into actual operational cooperation between the two countries. Many observers remarked that the focus on implementation was new compared to previous cautious engagements. Building on momentum established throughout the high-level meetings, expectations for a streamlined alignment of policies were developed.
Trade and Economic Pillars of the India–Malaysia Strategic Partnership
The two countries have defined their bilateral relationship as a “special relationship”. Both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing their cooperation in all areas, with the two leaders placing a strong emphasis on the expansion of trade and investment flows. In addition, both leaders noted that there is a significant area for collaboration between the two countries in the area of semiconductor development. Resilience in manufacturing was a prominent topic of conversation between the two leaders. Both governments are committed to establishing mechanisms for the expeditious implementation of trade agreements.
Anwar Ibrahim also highlighted that the two governments are ambitious about their desire for comprehensive engagement with one another. Ibrahim noted during a press conference after hosting Modi at his official residence in the administrative capital of Putrajaya, that “It’s really comprehensive, and we believe that we can advance this and execute speedily with the commitment of our both governments,” In addition to promoting local currency transactions for trade, the leaders expressed their confidence that trade levels will far exceed current trade statistics and cited an initial reference point of $18.6 billion. The trade framework is now the foundation for a larger strategic cooperation agenda.
Security Cooperation Strengthens India–Malaysia Strategic Partnership
Security was a key topic in the talks. Both India and Malaysia agreed to work together to improve coordination for fighting terrorism. The two countries also agreed to intensify cooperation in maritime safety and intelligence sharing. Defence cooperation was also reaffirmed to be more comprehensive. The two Prime Ministers were witnesses to the signing of eleven cooperation agreements. The topics covered were semiconductor manufacturing, disaster management, and peacekeeping. There were additional discussions on food security and the health sector.
Both Prime Ministers reiterated that their countries would continue to support ASEAN-focused engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the Government of Malaysia for their support of the review of AITIGA. “With the support of friendly countries like Malaysia, India will further broaden its engagement with ASEAN. We are in agreement that the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) should be completed at the earliest,” said Prime Minister Modi during his press conference with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim. They reaffirmed the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to be realised by 2024. They also discussed regional and global governance reform. The visit represented two coordinators working together in the Indo-Pacific region. Going forward, the India–Malaysia strategic partnership is expected to shape Indo-Pacific cooperation.
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