Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim is on his debut three-day visit to India as Prime Minister — the first such delegation from Malaysia since 2018. He aims to seek New Delhi’s support for Malaysia’s membership in the BRICS bloc, which comprises countries representing 45 per cent of the world’s population and offers preferential trade and investment opportunities among member nations. Its founder members are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, with Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates later joining the bloc.
It seems that the Malaysian prime minister may also seek to bolster ties with India, benefiting from India’s status as Asia’s fastest-growing large economy, and rekindle a bilateral relationship worth over $16 billion in 2023. Malaysia submitted its application to join BRICS to the current chairman, Russia, last year, possibly not only to safeguard itself from trade tensions arising from the escalating US-China conflict but also to expand its foreign trade and investments.
The relationship between Malaysia and India soured in 2019 when the former Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohammad, accused India of “invading and occupying” Kashmir — a statement contrary to reality. However, with the change in leadership in Malaysia, the bilateral ties, which were under an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, have found renewed enthusiasm over the last two years. As this Enhanced Strategic Partnership marks a decade, the two prime ministers have decisively agreed to elevate the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to fully harness the economic and strategic potential of both countries.
Recalibrating bilateral ties
Like some other nations, the previous Malaysian administration also pledged much of its loyalty to China. However, over the last decade, with China’s aggressive expansionism, countries like Malaysia have increasingly looked to India to help balance power in the Asia-Pacific. China’s expansionist ambitions have proven detrimental to nations, which eventually crumble under debt, leading to the loss of security and strategic assets, ultimately threatening their national interests.
For a safe, open, and secure Asia-Pacific, India is beginning to re-emerge as a pivotal force to counter Chinese expansionist pressures. With its large market, growing economic size, and rapid economic growth, India offers economic and trade opportunities for nations seeking to reduce their dependence on China. This has prompted many to take active measures to reset their ties with India.
A recent example is the Maldives, where a new administration came to power on an anti-India, pro-China mandate and subsequently enacted anti-India policies. India reacted by retreating, which caused severe economic distress to the nation. With an aggressive China as its only option, the Maldives felt the pressure to recalibrate its ties with India and has been making active efforts to reconcile with an upset India.
Countries are witnessing the impact of being crushed under Chinese pressure and having to make strategic compromises, as seen in the cases of Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port and Pakistan’s Gwadar. There is also ample evidence of nations facing China’s hostility in various projects within the Belt and Road ecosystem. This aggression has served as a wake-up call for several powers.
While China’s actions in its periphery remain centred on a hierarchical order that serves its own interests, with its global economic and political agenda being singularly China-centric, India offers a stark contrast. India’s worldview aligns with the concept of a Kautilyan Universe, which embraces the coexistence of multiple political units, multistate systems, and a multiverse. Each unit, differing in power, strength, and potential, works harmoniously towards a common goal of peace, security, and prosperity.
People-to-people ties
As with much of its extended neighbourhood, India and Malaysia share deep civilisational ties. A strong community of 3 million Indians resides in Malaysia, constituting a significant portion of the population. They celebrate Indian festivals, culture, and contribute to Malaysia’s rich diversity. Many symbols of Indian heritage and history are woven into mainstream Malaysian life, such as the Sri Veera Hanuman Temple, which showcases tales from the Ramayana in its South Indian architecture and intricate details. Locals often speak of feeling the positive divine energy emanating from the temple’s vicinity.
A popular story tells of a Malay lorry driver who spotted a majestic apparition of a giant monkey in a warrior’s attire walking along the well-known Scott Road, capturing the people’s devotion to the temple. Many such tales have become part of Malay life, making Hanuman an intrinsic deity of worship for many. Students often visit the temple before exams for blessings, and those seeking spiritual recovery from evil spirits or black magic find solace there. These practices closely mirror the reverence Indians hold for Lord Hanuman, highlighting the shared cultural and spiritual heritage.
The prime ministers of the two countries have now committed to strengthening these ties by promoting the ancient Indian science of medicine, Ayurveda, and establishing cross-country scholarships. Prime Minister Modi has reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering ASEAN through multiple foreign policy initiatives, with deepening ties with Malaysia being an intrinsic part of that effort. Just last week, we saw PM Modi make similar strides with Vietnam.
Additionally, he announced that India will fully support Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN next year and will work decisively towards a Free Trade Agreement among ASEAN powers. A strong, economically powerful ASEAN, anchored by a robust India, is indeed the key to an open, inclusive, and plural security order in the Asia-Pacific.
Priyam Gandhi-Mody is a noted author and political communications expert. She has written four best-selling books and is working on her fifth one. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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