Malaysia Views India as a Key Strategic Partner for Growth
Malaysia regards India as a key strategic partner, with bilateral ties deeply rooted in historical and cultural links and continuously strengthened by expanding political and economic cooperation, according to the Malaysian High Commissioner to India, Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa.
The High Commissioner emphasized that the robust relationship is poised to gain further significant momentum at the upcoming ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN-India Summit, both of which are scheduled to take place in Kuala Lumpur this October.
In terms of the economic dimension, he highlighted the substantial nature of their trade relationship.
“In terms of economy, we have a very strong relationship with India. India is currently the 11th largest trading partner for Malaysia,” he stated.
Furthermore, within the context of the regional bloc, Malaysia holds the distinction of being India’s third-largest trading partner among all ASEAN countries, underscoring the weight of their bilateral commerce.
These remarks were made during a dinner event hosted by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs’ Additional Secretary and Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, held in honor of visiting media delegates from numerous ASEAN nations.
The media visit, organized by the Indian External Affairs Ministry, ran from September 23 to October 2, and included 25 journalists from nine Southeast Asian countries, encompassing Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam, all aimed at fostering greater understanding.
ASEAN Summit to Deepen Act East Policy Alignment
The forthcoming ASEAN Summit is anticipated to provide a critical platform to deepen the overall ASEAN-India relationship, particularly under the framework of India’s ongoing Act East policy, which prioritizes regional cooperation and security.
Muzafar Shah noted that the summit offers yet another opportunity to strengthen the relationship under this policy, which emphasizes comprehensive regional engagement.
He clarified that ASEAN has consistently remained a top priority for India under its Act East policy, and crucially, the cooperation between the two entities has now successfully expanded beyond traditional economic sectors to encompass vital areas of regional stability and security.
He pointed out, “This is also in line with ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific Outlook and India’s own Indo-Pacific initiatives,” signifying a strategic alignment on regional maritime and geopolitical strategy.
The collaborative focus on stability and security reflects the recognition that sustained economic growth in the region requires a peaceful and predictable environment.
India’s growing geopolitical influence and its strategic pivot towards East and Southeast Asia make it an essential partner for ASEAN countries looking to balance regional dynamics and enhance their economic resilience.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits, set to be held in Kuala Lumpur this October, are regarded as among the most significant gatherings in recent years, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to be among the high-profile world leaders in attendance.
India’s Growing Global and Economic Influence
Malaysia’s strong strategic view of India is also intrinsically linked to the latter’s rapid emergence as a significant global player and its projected leap in global economic rankings, further solidifying its importance to partners across Asia.
The High Commissioner specifically noted that India is emerging as a powerful global actor on the international stage and is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027 in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This rapid economic trajectory is expected to see India surpass major developed nations such as Germany and Japan in just a few years.
This anticipated economic ascent makes India an increasingly attractive and essential market and source of investment for nations like Malaysia and the broader ASEAN collective.
The deepening of political and economic ties is therefore a pragmatic move that positions Malaysian and ASEAN interests to benefit directly from India’s burgeoning growth story.
The strategic alignment on the Indo-Pacific initiatives, where both ASEAN and India seek to maintain a free, open, and inclusive region, reinforces the non-economic dimensions of their partnership.
The historical and cultural links provide a strong foundation, while the shared vision for a stable and prosperous region drives the contemporary political and economic agenda, ensuring that the strategic relationship continues to mature and expand in the years ahead.
