This visit was part of an extensive tour across Southeast Asia, including stops in the Philippines and Singapore
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded a productive visit to Malaysia on March 27-28, 2024, paving the way for stronger cooperation as the two nations near the completion of 10 years of their Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
 
This visit, which was part of an extensive tour across Southeast Asia, also including stops in the Philippines and Singapore, establishes a significant phase in the longstanding and rich relationship between India and Malaysia. He was accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, highlighting the importance India places on its ties with Malaysia.
 
During his visit, EAM Jaishankar called on Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and conveyed to him greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He thanked Prime Minister Anwar for his support in deepening bilateral ties under the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
 
“Honour to call on Prime Minister @anwaribrahim of Malaysia. Conveyed the warm greetings of PM @narendramodi. His vision for stronger India-Malaysia ties, both in traditional and new-age areas, will help us craft a more ambitious agenda for the relationship. Benefitted from his guidance and insights on regional developments," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X after the meeting on March 27, 2024.
 
Earlier, upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur, EAM Jaishankar was hosted by Malaysia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders held wide ranging discussions on bilateral cooperation including political, trade and economic, defence, digital, culture and education. They also exchanged views on issues of regional and global interest. 
 
“Delighted to meet FM @tokmatn9 to begin my visit to Malaysia. Exchanged views on enhancing collaboration in political, economic, defence, digital, startups, consular and p2p linkages. Shared perspectives on the region, Indo-Pacific, West Asia and Ukraine. 
 
As we near completion of a decade of our Enhanced Strategic Partnership, look forward to further strengthening our engagements," EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.
 
This meeting marks a significant moment, as it was the first encounter between the two ministers since Dato’ Seri Hasan's appointment in December 2023.
 
On March 28, 2024, EAM Jaishankar met with Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo, and explored new frontiers in cooperation, particularly in the realm of digital innovation and technology, areas where both India and Malaysia are keen to expand their collaboration.
 
"Concluded my program in Malaysia by meeting Digital Minister @GobindSinghDeo. Discussed digital cooperation, including exchange of best practices and exploring business opportunities," he wrote on X on March 28.
 
This visit shines a spotlight on the robust economic ties between the two countries, with India standing as Malaysia’s 12th largest global trading partner in 2023. The trade between the two countries amounted to RM77.76 billion (approximately USD16.53 billion). The discussions ideated a plan for future growth and cooperation in trade and investment between the two countries.
 
The discussions during this visit also touched upon regional and international issues of mutual interest, demonstrating the multifaceted nature of the Malaysia-India relationship. Both countries recognize the importance of working together to address common challenges and seize opportunities on the global stage, further enhancing their strategic partnership.
  
With the conclusion of the EAM Jaishankar’s visit, it leaves behind a blueprint for an even more dynamic and comprehensive India-Malaysia relationship. The commitment to strengthen bilateral ties, explore new areas of cooperation, and engage in meaningful dialogue at various levels, sets a promising course for the future. The visit reaffirms the strong bond between India and Malaysia and facilitates new avenues for collaboration that promise to benefit both nations and their peoples in the years to come.