EAM Jaishankar engages in ‘productive and frank discussion’ with Malaysian counterpart

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had a ‘productive and frank discussion’ with Malaysian counterpart Mohamad bin Haji Hasan in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday, exchanging views on bilateral ties and regional issues. The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The two Ministers had a productive and frank discussion, including exchanging views on the multifaceted dimensions of Malaysia-India bilateral affairs.”

This meeting marked the first interaction between Jaishankar and Hasan since Hasan assumed office in December 2023. They discussed high-level visits and the upcoming seventh Joint Commission Meeting of Malaysia and India. In November 2023, the then Malaysian Foreign Minister visited India for the sixth Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi.

Jaishankar is also set to meet Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Minister of Digital, Gobind Singh Deo later in the day. India and Malaysia have strong economic partnerships and close people-to-people ties, further solidifying their longstanding and substantive relationship. In 2023, India was Malaysia’s 12th largest global trading partner with total trade amounting to RM 77.76 billion (USD16.53 billion).