On March 18, 2025, India and Malaysia conducted a high-level bilateral meeting in New Delhi to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, and technology. Union Minister Jitin Prasada met with Malaysia’s Deputy Minister, Liew Chin Tong, at Vanijya Bhawan to promote commercial connections. A primary topic on the agenda was the continuing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA), with both parties pledging to move quickly to reach a fair and beneficial agreement by 2025.
Bilateral trade problems, market access, and economic cooperation were crucial to the negotiations. The semiconductor industry appeared as a possible area for partnership, with Malaysia’s strong manufacturing capabilities complementing India’s growth objectives. Both countries recognised the opportunity for technological exchange and personnel development in this sector.
Another critical discussion focused on the Bureau of Indian Standards’ Foreign Manufacturers Certification Scheme (FMCS), which ensures that foreign items comply with India’s safety and quality rules. Malaysia remains India’s third-largest commercial partner in ASEAN, with trade worth USD 20.02 billion in 2023-24.
The meeting was attended by senior diplomats and officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, as well as major Indian ministries.
