Kuala lumpur: Malaysian businesses are encouraged to explore opportunities across various sectors in India, including semiconductor, energy, and agriculture, following the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024. High Commissioner of Malaysia to India Datuk Muzafar Shah Mustafa highlighted the underrepresentation of Malaysian companies in India due to limited awareness of the vast opportunities available in the market.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muzafar Shah emphasized the potential in the Indian market, urging Malaysian companies to explore the opportunities it presents. He made these remarks during the Bernama World programme titled 'Malaysia and India: Economic Ties in Action,' produced by Bernama TV. The Indian government's economic review released at the end of 2025 revealed that India has become the world's fourth-largest economy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Malaysia on February 7 and 8 further underscored the importance of bilateral relations. At a joint press conference, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the immense benefits Malaysia could gain from increased collaboration with India. Anwar stressed the strategic importance of advancing and enhancing relations between the two nations, which have maintained long-standing ties since 1957 and were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2024.
Furthermore, Muzafar Shah noted that while India is developing its domestic palm oil industry, it is also seeking Malaysia's technical expertise and industry know-how. He pointed out that India's population of about 1.2 billion supports strong demand for key commodities, with annual vegetable oil consumption estimated at nearly 25 million metric tonnes. Malaysia currently supplies approximately three million metric tonnes of palm oil to India each year, with palm oil cooperation being part of broader bilateral discussions aimed at ensuring food security and supply-chain stability.
Muzafar Shah also mentioned that India's focus on self-reliance extends to the food sector, creating opportunities for collaboration in agricultural development and productivity. Malaysia's exports to India amounted to US$12.24 billion, with imports totaling US$6.35 billion. Key export items included palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, as well as electrical and electronic products, while imports mainly consisted of agricultural, petroleum, and chemical products.