•  Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim seeks India's support for Malaysia's BRICS membership during his three-day visit.
• The move aims to expand Malaysia's foreign trade and investments and strengthen ties with India.
• The two countries have agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership amid shifting Asia-Pacific geopolitics.
• The leaders are committed to promoting Ayurveda and establishing cross-country scholarships, marking a strategic shift in the region's geopolitical landscape.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is on a three-day visit to India, marking the first such delegation from Malaysia since 2018. The primary objective of this visit is to seek India's support for Malaysia's membership in the BRICS bloc. This bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents 45% of the world's population and offers preferential trade and investment opportunities among member nations. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates have also joined the bloc in recent years.

Malaysia's interest in joining BRICS is not just about safeguarding itself from trade tensions arising from the escalating US-China conflict. It is also about expanding its foreign trade and investments. The country submitted its application to join BRICS to the current chairman, Russia, last year. This move is seen as a strategic attempt to bolster ties with India, which is Asia's fastest-growing large economy. The bilateral relationship between the two countries is worth over $16 billion in 2023.

The relationship between Malaysia and India had soured in 2019 when the former Malaysian Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohammad, accused India of invading and occupying Kashmir. 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.

Asia-Pacific Geopolitical Shifts

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. The geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific region has been shifting over the last decade. Countries like Malaysia have increasingly looked to India to help balance power in the region, especially in the face of China's aggressive expansionism.

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. 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.

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.

India and Malaysia: Deep Civilisational Ties

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.

While China's actions in its periphery remain centred on a hierarchical order, India offers a stark contrast with emphasis on 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.

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.

Despite some hurdles. 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. This move signifies a strategic shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Asia-Pacific region, with nations seeking to balance power and reduce their dependence on China.