What Progress Did PM Modi and Malaysian Counterpart Make in Bilateral Ties?
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Synopsis
In a significant meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, PM Modi and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim discussed enhancing investment and trade relations between their nations. Their dialogue reflects a commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, highlighting key sectors for growth.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi and Anwar Ibrahim met at the 2025 BRICS Summit.
- Focus on enhancing investment and trade relations.
- Key sectors for growth include IT, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
- Need for reform in global institutions.
- Strong historical ties between India and Malaysia.
Rio de Janeiro, July 7 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim during the 2025 BRICS Summit, where both leaders assessed the status of their bilateral relationship and explored avenues to enhance investment and trade ties.
On social media platform X, PM Modi shared images from their meeting on Sunday, stating: "I had a productive discussion with the Malaysian Prime Minister, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, at the BRICS Summit in Brazil. Malaysia plays a pivotal role in India's Vision MAHASAGAR and Act East Policy."
He further noted: "We examined the advancements in our bilateral relations since PM Ibrahim's visit to India last year. Key sectors such as IT, renewable energy, and infrastructure are seeing significant growth in our partnership. We also deliberated on strategies to enhance investment and trade relations between our nations."
Earlier, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim remarked that "the BRICS coalition, which has emerged as a robust and principled entity, presents an opportunity to forge a more equitable and just global order."
He emphasized the need for reform in legacy international organizations to accurately reflect the evolving global landscape and the aspirations of developing nations.
Anwar called for a comprehensive restructuring of global institutions like the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization, to better address the current realities and the needs of developing countries, rather than adhering to outdated post-World War II frameworks.
During his address at the 17th BRICS Summit hosted by Brazil, Anwar added that the grouping must bolster its economic collaboration both among its member states and with other regional alliances such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
"BRICS and ASEAN nations should continue to strengthen strategic cooperation, focusing on enhancing cross-regional trade and investment for the mutual benefit of developing nations," he emphasized.
India established diplomatic relations with the Federation of Malaya (the predecessor state of Malaysia) in 1957, and the two nations enjoyed a solid relationship in the 1960s, largely due to the personal rapport between then Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra.
Previous Malaysian PMs Abdullah Badawi (2004-2009) and Mohd. Najib Tun Abdul Razak launched several initiatives aimed at fostering closer ties with India.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that "there is significant goodwill for India among the Malaysian populace, hosting approximately 2.75 million Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), which is the second-largest PIO community globally, following the US, and the third-largest Indian diaspora worldwide (2.9 million)."
Since the elevation of India-Malaysia relations to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership during PM Modi's visit to Malaysia in November 2015, there has been a notable increase in engagement across all facets of their bilateral relationship.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize that the meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim underscores a significant step in strengthening ties between India and Malaysia. This engagement is not only pivotal for bilateral relations but also for regional cooperation in ASEAN and BRICS, reflecting a collective aspiration for a balanced global order.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the focus of the meeting between PM Modi and Anwar Ibrahim?
The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the progress in bilateral ties and discussing ways to enhance investment and trade relations between India and Malaysia.
Why is Malaysia important for India?
Malaysia holds a key position in India's Vision MAHASAGAR and Act East Policy, making it a vital partner for India in the Southeast Asian region.
What sectors are growing in India-Malaysia relations?
The sectors experiencing growth in bilateral ties include IT, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
What did Anwar Ibrahim say about global institutions?
Anwar Ibrahim called for a major overhaul of global institutions like the UN and IMF to better reflect current realities and needs of developing countries.
What is the significance of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia?
Malaysia hosts approximately 2.75 million Persons of Indian Origin, making it the second-largest PIO community in the world, which contributes to the goodwill for India in Malaysia.
