EAM Jaishankar sees tech, trade booster for Malaysia ties

KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign minister S Jaishankar described Malaysian Indians as a strong "living bridge" and Malaysia as a "reliable partner preparing for an era of closer relations", conveying New Delhi's most emphatic affirmation yet of the winds of change setting in between the two countries as he announced a road map of sorts for the next decade of engagement.Jaishankar was in Malaysia on the last leg of a three-nation tour of South East Asia, meeting PM Anwar Ibrahim and foreign minister Mohamad Hasan, among others.
Addressing a diaspora of industry leaders, politicians, scholars, trade associations and CEOs in Kuala Lumpur, Jaishankar said the two countries were "now poised to take the ties to a higher level" and stressed the need to "reimagine this relationship".
"Next year, we enter the second decade of our Enhanced Strategic Partnership launched in 2015, with our trade growing annually at $20 billion, where in a range of domains today our govts and societies interact very closely. We have to now think about practical steps which would realise the sense of closeness that is so strong in both countries," Jaishankar said.
In talks with Ibrahim and Hasan, Jaishankar touched upon new sectors of growth, namely semiconductors, green energy and digital ecosystem, areas where India has made huge advances.
The two sides also discussed providing each other better market access, improving mobility and air connectivity, as well as increasing investments. "All of this is buttressed by the foundations of trust and reliability. Malaysia has been a strong support and voice in our efforts for upholding the Global South," Jaishankar said.
Replying to a question from TOI on what would bring greater momentum to bilateral relations and India-Asean trade as Malaysia takes the chair at the trade bloc, Jaishankar said: "Embracing, leveraging new industries, sunrise industries, and building on each other's strengths will unlock new possibilities in our ties."