Kuala Lumpur: India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, engaged in a fruitful discussion about the diverse connections between India and Malaysia during his visit to Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry described the talk with his counterpart, Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, as "productive and honest." Jaishankar's visit to Malaysia marks the final leg of his tour across Singapore, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

During the meeting, held at Kuala Lumpur, both ministers exchanged views on various aspects of the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and India, alongside discussing regional and global matters of shared concern, as stated by the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussion also touched upon the potential exchange of visits at high governmental levels and the forthcoming 7th Joint Commission Meeting between Malaysia and India, slated for a mutually convenient time.

This encounter signifies the first interaction between Jaishankar and Hasan since the latter assumed office in December 2023, according to the statement released.

Later in the day, Jaishankar is set to meet Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo, as outlined by the foreign ministry.

The purpose of Jaishankar's visit is to bolster cooperation between India and Malaysia while fostering a deeper understanding of shared opportunities and challenges, the ministry highlighted.

The relationship between Malaysia and India is characterized by robust economic partnerships and strong interpersonal bonds. In 2023, India stood as Malaysia's 12th largest global trading partner, with trade valued at RM 77.76 billion (USD 16.53 billion), according to the statement.

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