India and Malaysia have recently explored avenues of collaboration, including technologies, fintech, and the semiconductor industry, during a bilateral Joint Commission Meeting (JCM). This important meeting was co-chaired by S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, and Zambry Abdul Kadir, the counterpart. It’s worth noting that this JCM is a milestone as it hadn’t taken place for, over ten years since the meeting in Kuala Lumpur in 2011.
Jaishankar emphasized the role of the JCM in assessing the state of relations between both countries. He recognized Malaysia as a partner for India and highlighted their strong trade ties. India ranks among Malaysia’s ten trading partners, while Malaysia holds the position of being India’s largest trading partner within ASEAN.
The JCM served as a platform to explore areas of cooperation with a focus on digital technologies, renewable energies, semiconductors, and space-related initiatives. Jaishankar also expressed gratitude for Malaysia’s support in fostering relations with the ASEAN region.
Kadir made his visit to India as a minister and echoed Jaishankar’s sentiments by emphasizing the importance of exploring and expanding cooperation, between both nations.
Following the meeting, Jaishankar utilized media to share updates on the discussions held by both parties. They evaluated their initiatives, in defense, security, trade, health, energy, education, tourism, and fostering connections. Additionally, they engaged in conversations regarding regional and global matters such as the Indo-Pacific region, ASEAN affairs, and developments, in West Asia.
Furthermore, the two foreign ministers oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding, establishing cooperation between Prasar Bharti and Radio Television Malaysia (RTM). Another agreement was signed between the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service and Malaysia’s Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations, focusing on diplomat training collaboration.
Kadir also met with India’s Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, to discuss strategies for enhancing bilateral ties. The year 2022 marked the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Malaysia. In 2015, their ties were elevated to an enhanced strategic partnership, and a roadmap for cooperation was established in 2017.