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Source- This post on India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has been created based on the article “India, Malaysia upgrade strategic partnership, discuss BRICS membership” published in “The Hindu” on 21 August 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim upgraded the bilateral relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’. This step builds on the Strategic Partnership of 2010 and the Enhanced Strategic Partnership of 2015.
Key Takeaways
1. Key Agreements: Multiple agreements were signed covering critical areas such as worker mobility, digital technology, culture, tourism, sports, and education.
2. BRICS Membership Support: India has agreed to support Malaysia’s interest in joining BRICS.
3. Geopolitical Considerations: Discussions also covered geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting India’s role in regional stability and its commitment to international law.
4. Cultural and Strategic Cooperation: The leaders emphasized the shared multicultural and multi-ethnic fabric of both nations. They further discussed expanding cooperation in digital technology, trade, agriculture, education, and defense.
6. Strategic Rice Export Agreement: India agreed to a one-time export of 2,00,000 metric tonnes of white rice.
7. Discussion on Extradition and Counter-Extremism: Both leaders also emphasized the need to tackle extremism and radicalism.
What are the differences between normal and comprehensive strategic partnership?
| Point of differences | Normal Partnership | Comprehensive strategic partnership |
| Definition | It involves two entities (countries) working together on specific goals or challenges. | It involves two or more entities (countries) working across broad domain and objectives. |
| Scope | It usually focused on particular projects, joint ventures, or sharing resources. | It usually focuses on economic, technological, cultural, and political cooperation. It often includes both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. |
| Level of commitment | Moderate | High |
| Duration | Might be short-term or long-term, depending on the agreement. | Usually long-term along with regular high-level dialogues and joint planning. |
| Formalities | Formalized through agreements or memorandums of understanding (MOUs) | Formalized through detailed agreements or treaties, often involving state visits, high-level meetings, and joint statements. They may include defense pacts, economic agreements, and cultural exchanges. |
Read More: BRICS-Plus
UPSC Syllabus: International relations
