India, Malaysia to boost trade ties: MoS Margherita

On April 20, he emphasized the untapped potential that both countries could harness in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. He called for a reinvigorated approach to economic diplomacy, underlining that this moment offers an opportunity to transform friendly relations into a strategic and mutually beneficial economic alliance.

Margherita urged both governments to prioritize collaboration, stating that trade relations must reflect the historical goodwill and shared values that connect India and Malaysia. While speaking at a trade forum in New Delhi, he stressed the significance of fostering trust between stakeholders and building a strong foundation based on innovation, research, and mutual respect. He expressed optimism that with dedicated effort and policy alignment, the two nations could become vital partners in the emerging global order.

He highlighted that India’s ‘Act East’ policy has already laid the groundwork for stronger ties with Southeast Asia. Malaysia, as a key ASEAN member and long-standing friend of India, remains central to this vision. He said that the private sector should play an active role in strengthening commercial ties, particularly in the digital economy and green technologies. He encouraged Indian startups and entrepreneurs to explore opportunities in Malaysia’s evolving economic landscape. Pabitra Margherita praised recent efforts made by the Indian government to streamline export mechanisms and incentivize investments. He noted that the Indian government is actively promoting a pro-business environment and expects partner nations to respond with equal enthusiasm. He also spoke about India’s efforts in creating robust infrastructure to facilitate easier trade, including improved ports, logistics corridors, and digital platforms that enable smoother customs operations.

He also mentioned that Indian manufacturers are well-positioned to meet Malaysia’s growing demand for high-quality machinery, automotive parts, and pharmaceutical goods. He said the two nations must work together to reduce tariff barriers and bureaucratic delays. He also advocated for a review of existing trade agreements to ensure they align with contemporary business needs and regional developments.

The minister took time to appreciate Malaysia’s emerging agricultural technologies and proposed knowledge-sharing programs that would benefit farmers in both countries. He pointed out that India could gain from Malaysia’s expertise in oil palm cultivation, while Malaysia could import more of India’s agricultural machinery and processed foods. He said agricultural trade between the two countries has great potential for expansion and deserves more institutional focus.

Margherita addressed concerns related to the protection of investments and intellectual property. He said these issues require serious dialogue and mutual guarantees that assure businesses of long-term stability. He emphasized the need for transparent regulations and fair dispute resolution mechanisms to encourage more investments from both sides. He added that people-to-people exchanges, especially in the education and cultural spheres, play an important role in sustaining bilateral relations. Margherita advocated for more scholarships, joint research programs, and student exchange initiatives to deepen engagement. He pointed out that a shared cultural heritage offers an emotional bridge that can strengthen commercial ties.

He concluded his address with a message of urgency and commitment. He said that the present time calls for action, not hesitation, and that the decisions made today will shape the trajectory of India-Malaysia relations for the next decade. Margherita expressed hope that this renewed push for collaboration would lead to significant advancements in trade volumes, employment generation, and regional integration...His speech reinforced the idea that trade and diplomacy, when pursued with clarity and mutual respect, can create a dynamic force for growth, innovation, and regional harmony.