Important for UPSC, State PCS
Prelims: India’s Act East Policy and ASEAN Relations
Mains: General Studies Paper 2 – India- Malaysia Relations and Recent developments, India’s Act East Policy and ASEAN Relations
About:
- Both leaders announced the decision to upgrade the 2010 Strategic Partnership, which had been made an ‘Enhanced Strategic Partnership’ in 2015, along with a number of agreements and MoUs signed in their presence.
These include MoUs on workers’ mobility, digital technology, culture, tourism, sports, and education. - The two Prime Ministers also discussed geopolitical challenges, including the current conflicts and tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
Significance:
- Diplomatic Relations: India and Malaysia established diplomatic relations shortly after Malaysia gained independence from British rule in 1957.
Both countries are members of various international organizations, such as the United Nations, ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and the Non Aligned Movement. - Trade and Economic Relations: Malaysia is the 13th largest trading partner for India while India stands amongst the 10 largest trading partners globally.
Furthermore, Malaysia has emerged as the third largest trading partner for India from the ASEAN region and India is the largest trading partner for Malaysia among the countries of the Southeast Asian region.
Malaysia stands as an important trade partner, as both countries have engaged in various economic agreements such as the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
Both countries have agreed to conduct trade settlements in Indian rupees, reflecting an intention to bolster trade relations
Défense and Security: The Défense ties have steadily expanded, marked by the signing of a Défense cooperation memorandum in 1993, regular Défense cooperation meetings, joint military exercises, and Malaysia’s interest in acquiring
18 new Indian light fighter jets, indicating potential growth in arms trade between the two nations.
- Strategic Partnership: India and Malaysia have aimed to strengthen their strategic partnership through various initiatives, including high-level visits, joint commissions, and dialogues.
- Both countries have expressed interests in enhancing cooperation in areas such as defense , counter-terrorism, maritime security, and cultural exchanges.
- ASEAN Centrality: Malaysia holds a crucial position in expanding India’s trade wi