In a pivotal diplomatic maneuver, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has embarked on a high-stakes visit to New Delhi, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and secure Malaysia’s coveted spot in the BRICS bloc. This visit, taking place from Monday to Wednesday, is poised to reshape regional dynamics and enhance Malaysia’s strategic positioning on the global stage. However, joining BRICS would also mean putting Malaysia on target for regime change. Regular readers of GreatGameInternational would be aware how as soon as Bolivia announced BRICS membership a military coup erupted with tanks breaching the Presidential palace. Bolivia’s lead was followed by Venezuela turning to BRICS to protect its Gold and reclaim its Energy sector from US influence. Unfortunately, Bangladesh wasn’t so lucky.
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Anwar Ibrahim’s visit comes at a crucial juncture as Malaysia intensifies its efforts to join BRICS—a powerful coalition originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, and now rapidly expanding its influence. With the BRICS leaders’ summit set to take place in Kazan this October, Malaysia’s inclusion in this group could significantly alter the balance of power within the bloc.
During his visit, Anwar is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a significant moment in the strengthening of Malaysia-India relations. The discussions will center on Malaysia’s bid to join BRICS and explore how this partnership could be mutually beneficial. According to Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to India, the talks will not only address Malaysia’s BRICS aspirations but also cover a range of bilateral issues including the Indo-Pacific region’s geopolitical landscape, as Malaysia prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025.
The BRICS coalition, having recently welcomed new members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, is expanding its reach and influence. This rapid growth reflects a shifting global order, where emerging economies and strategic partnerships are gaining prominence. Malaysia’s application to join BRICS is seen as a strategic move to diversify its international partnerships and reduce reliance on any single global power, aiming to “de-dollarize” trade and foster a multipolar world order.
Fikry A. Rahman, head of foreign affairs at Malaysia’s Bait Al-Amanah think tank, highlights that Malaysia’s push to join BRICS is part of a broader strategy to align with like-minded countries. This alignment could enhance Malaysia’s leverage on the global stage and open up new avenues for economic and political collaboration.
In addition to discussions about BRICS, Anwar’s visit is expected to yield seven key agreements across various sectors. These agreements will cover digital technology, tourism, health, workforce development, public administration, and traditional Ayurveda medicine. The bilateral trade between Malaysia and India reached nearly $20 billion last year, making Malaysia India’s 13th largest trading partner. This visit aims to build on this economic foundation by exploring new opportunities in renewable energy and electric vehicles, with both countries eyeing advancements in these critical sectors.
A significant aspect of Anwar’s visit is the push for Indian investments in Malaysia’s burgeoning digital and green energy sectors. Reports indicate that the two sides are working towards a “substantive agreement” in the start-up sector, which could propel Malaysia’s technological and environmental goals forward.
The Modi-led Indian government has set ambitious targets for its electric vehicle (EV) market, aiming to increase the share of EVs in total sales to around 30% by 2030. With India having sold 1.7 million EVs in the previous financial year, the demand for these vehicles is surging, driven by government incentives, lower battery costs, and rising fuel prices. Malaysia’s engagement in this sector could lead to substantial collaborations in EV technology and infrastructure.
Additionally, India seeks to enhance cooperation with Malaysia in the semiconductor industry. The Indian government has launched a $9 billion program to boost domestic chip production and develop a robust semiconductor ecosystem. Malaysia’s role in this initiative could prove pivotal as both nations strive to secure a competitive edge in the global tech landscape.
Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi represents a strategic effort to bolster Malaysia’s international standing and economic prospects. By engaging with India on multiple fronts, from BRICS accession to high-tech investments, Malaysia is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving global order. The outcomes of this visit could have far-reaching implications for regional alliances and economic partnerships, setting the stage for a new chapter in Malaysia-India relations.
