Modi Visit Highlights India’s Increasiing Strategic Outreach Into Southeast Asia

By Zarul Effendi Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- 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 at a time of heightened global power competition, an academician said.

Assistant Professor of Business Economics at the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Dr Chee Meng Tan said India is looking at Malaysia not only as a partner, but also as a key entry point into the wider ASEAN region.

“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 while speaking on the Bernama World programme on Tuesday.

Tan said Southeast Asia has increasingly drawn attention from major powers in recent years, making Malaysia’s geopolitical relevance more pronounced as engagement from China, the United States and other countries intensifies.

On whether India is positioning itself as a counterweight in the region, he opined that such a role is largely welcomed by ASEAN countries, which seek to avoid being caught between rival powers.

“We don’t want to be caught between the Americans and the Chinese, so having India as a counterweight is definitely welcome,” he said.

He added that ASEAN countries remain cautious about formal alignments and continue to stress the importance of maintaining neutrality, avoiding any perception of siding overtly with the United States, China or India.

Tan said Malaysia also retains strategic leverage due to its geography and its role within ASEAN, particularly due to its proximity to the Straits of Malacca, a vital global maritime route.

“We may not be very big, but if you’re looking at the Straits of Malacca, it’s essentially controlled by three forces -- the Indonesians, the Malaysians and the Singaporeans,” he said.

Tan noted that 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, with analysts closely watching the visit for its strategic impacts for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region.

Analysts view the trip as a key outreach effort to strengthen ties with Kuala Lumpur and the wider ASEAN region.

-- BERNAMA