Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Malaysia, ASEAN India Economic Council Chairman and veteran Malaysian entrepreneur Dato Ramesh Kodammal expressed that the visit is crucial for strengthening bilateral ties. Kodammal emphasized Malaysia’s strategic importance within ASEAN and the growing Indian diaspora, viewing the visit as an overdue opportunity to enhance relations, boost trade collaboration, and deepen engagement in sectors like digitization, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Kodammal highlighted the warm reception of Prime Minister Modi by the Malaysian government and people, considering it a significant event for Malaysia–India relations. He noted the shift in India’s policy towards ASEAN countries under the Act East Policy, with Malaysia playing a pivotal role within ASEAN due to its substantial Indian diaspora and historical ties with India dating back to the colonial era.
Reflecting on the historical and contemporary ties between ASEAN, Malaysia, and India, Kodammal underscored the enduring relationship that has evolved over centuries, especially through trade and cultural exchanges. He emphasized the potential for further strengthening India–Malaysia bilateral trade, pointing out the growth in trade volume and the opportunities arising from India’s market liberalization and Malaysia’s expertise in digitization, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor manufacturing.
Expressing pride as an Indian residing in Malaysia, Kodammal welcomed Prime Minister Modi’s visit as a moment of joy for the Indian diaspora in Malaysia. He anticipated the visit to pave the way for closer collaboration between Malaysia and India, highlighting the cultural significance of Modi’s presence and the enthusiasm among Malaysian Indians to interact with the Indian Prime Minister after a prolonged period.
