23 March 2024 – India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, embarks on a significant diplomatic journey to Southeast Asia, spanning Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia from March 23 to 27. This voyage coincides with India’s reflection on the ten-year milestone of its Act East policy, underscoring the strategic importance of fostering ties with key regional partners.:
During his five-day expedition, Jaishankar aims to intensify India’s diplomatic outreach in Southeast Asia, acknowledging the diverse dynamics and strategic imperatives within each nation. Singapore, a longstanding ally, holds a crucial position in India’s regional integration efforts, albeit recent tensions surrounding the Amravati project necessitate delicate navigation of bilateral ties.
Conversely, India’s relations with the Philippines present untapped potential, particularly in trade, defense, and technology exchanges. Recent agreements signal opportunities for deepening bilateral partnerships, echoing aspirations for a strengthened Indo-Pacific strategic landscape.
Similarly, Malaysia’s significance underlines India’s commitment to the Act East policy, with discussions revolving around bolstering economic synergies, enhancing cultural exchanges, and fostering defense cooperation. The burgeoning Indian diaspora in Malaysia serves as a vital bridge in strengthening people-to-people connections, further enhancing bilateral engagements.
As India and Malaysia endeavor to surpass the $25 billion bilateral trade milestone by 2026, strategic dialogues on regional security and defense assume paramount significance. With Malaysia set to chair ASEAN in 2025, aligning visions for the Indo-Pacific region becomes imperative, reflecting India’s proactive role as a responsible stakeholder in regional affairs.
