India and Malaysia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Focus on Trade, Defense, and Regional Security
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Govt & Politics; Page: 06)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations |
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Analysis of News:
About Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):
- It is a type of free trade pact that covers negotiation on the trade in services and investment, and other areas of economic partnership.
- CEPA also looks into the regulatory aspect of trade and encompasses an agreement covering the regulatory issues.
Economic and Defense Cooperation
- The leaders emphasized the potential for expanded economic cooperation, focusing on trade, investment, fintech, and semiconductors. They also discussed new possibilities in the defense sector and reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and extremism.
Regional Security and International Law
- Modi underscored the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, advocating for peaceful dispute resolution in line with international laws.
Commitment to Counterterrorism
- Both leaders condemned terrorism, urging states to reject it in all forms, and agreed to work together to bring terrorists to justice.
- They also discussed the connection between terrorism and transnational organized crime.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
- The visit reflects a strengthening of ties between India and Malaysia, particularly in the context of ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region.
- Despite past tensions, such as those arising from Malaysia’s stance on Kashmir in 2019, the two nations are committed to reinvigorating their relationship across various fields.
| Challenges and Prospects in India-Malaysia Economic Ties |
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| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of India and Malaysia elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. How does this development impact India’s strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region? (250 words/15 m) |
