Malaysia steps up ties with BRICS and India as it expands its emerging-market reach

Malaysia is strengthening its ties with emerging market partners such as BRICS and India, according to remarks by Malaysia's Chargé d’Affaires and Deputy High Commissioner Sharifah Ezneeda Wafa. India stands out as a key example, with bilateral investment between the two nations reaching US$5.6 billion in 2025. This investment includes projects from Malaysian companies like Petronas’ Gentari, UMW Group, and Salcon Bhd, as well as Indian companies establishing 293 manufacturing projects in Malaysia worth US$2.95 billion as of June 2026, which are expected to generate 28,455 jobs.

Malaysia's total trade with India decreased by 5% to RM79.33 billion in 2025, from RM83.5 billion in 2024, mostly due to a significant drop in imports. However, exports to India increased by 0.4% to RM52.35 billion, boosted by a surge in non-metallic mineral product exports. Imports from India fell by 14% to RM26.98 billion, mainly due to a 43.8% decline in petroleum product imports, resulting in a trade surplus of RM25.37 billion for Malaysia.

Sharifah Ezneeda emphasized that Malaysia's BRICS membership would broaden its economic and diplomatic connections with major emerging economies, complementing its involvement in other multilateral platforms such as ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.