Rio de janeiro: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has identified Malaysia as a crucial partner in India’s Vision MAHASAGAR and Act East Policy. Modi emphasized Malaysia’s strategic importance in a post on his personal X account @narendramodi, following a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Modi and Anwar reviewed the progress in bilateral relations, highlighting achievements since Anwar’s visit to India last year. Modi noted significant growth in sectors like IT, renewable energy, and infrastructure, and discussed ways to enhance investment and trade relations between the two nations.

Vision MAHASAGAR, which stands for ‘Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions,’ was announced by Modi during his visit to Mauritius on March 12 this year. This vision builds on the SAGAR policy, first introduced by Modi in 2015 during a visit to Mauritius, which has directed India’s engagement with the Indian Ocean region over the past decade.

Anwar arrived in Rio De Janeiro to participate in the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit, hosted by Brazil. Malaysia participated as a BRICS partner country and as the chair of ASEAN 2025. This summit marked the first gathering of heads of state and government from BRICS member and partner countries.

Initially established by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, the BRICS group has since expanded. South Africa joined in 2011, and in 2023, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were added. In January 2025, Indonesia became a full member, and ten countries, including Malaysia, were accepted as BRICS partner countries at the summit.