Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit highlights New Delhi’s strategic push into Southeast Asia amid global power competition.
KUALA LUMPUR: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Malaysia signals New Delhi’s intention to strengthen its strategic and political footprint in Southeast Asia.
This comes at a time of heightened global power competition, according to an academic.
Assistant Professor Dr Chee Meng Tan from the University of Nottingham Malaysia said India views Malaysia as a key partner and entry point into ASEAN.
“I think India is looking for a strategic partner, and it is also trying to increase its influence and visibility within the region,” he said on the Bernama World programme.
He noted that Southeast Asia has drawn increasing attention from major powers like China and the United States.
This makes Malaysia’s geopolitical relevance more pronounced as engagement intensifies.
Tan opined that India’s role as a counterweight is largely welcomed by ASEAN countries.
“We don’t want to be caught between the Americans and the Chinese, so having India as a counterweight is definitely welcome,” he said.
ASEAN countries remain cautious about formal alignments and stress maintaining neutrality.
They avoid any perception of siding overtly with the United States, China or India.
Malaysia retains strategic leverage due to its geography and role within ASEAN.
This is particularly due to its proximity to the vital Straits of Malacca.
“If you’re looking at the Straits of Malacca, it’s essentially controlled by three forces — the Indonesians, the Malaysians and the Singaporeans,” Tan noted.
He said Malaysia’s strategic location ensures it will continue to be courted by major powers.
“If Malaysia plays its cards well, I would say that we are primed to be in a position to be making certain demands going into the future,” he added.
Modi is expected to arrive in Malaysia this weekend.
Analysts are closely watching the visit for its strategic impacts on Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.
The trip is viewed as a key outreach effort to strengthen ties with Kuala Lumpur.
