
India backs Malaysia's ASEAN vision, strengthens Myanmar ties
High Commissioner of India to Malaysia, B.N. Reddy, affirmed the alignment with Malaysia's ASEAN priorities during an interview with Bernama TV.
Reddy stated, 'India is keen to align with the core themes of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship - 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', as well as ASEAN Centrality.'
He further stressed India's interest in boosting connectivity with ASEAN via Myanmar, adding, 'We would like to see a prosperous and stable Myanmar, which is where our alignment comes with ASEAN.'
The diplomat noted that ASEAN-India relations have progressed to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
India's delegation will participate in the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur with a constructive approach. Pabitra Margherita, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, is set to attend, outlining India's regional agenda ahead of the ASEAN-India Summit in October.
On bilateral relations, Reddy highlighted Malaysia's growing global influence and regional responsibilities.
He pointed to the deep cultural and economic links, with Malaysia home to the largest Indian diaspora outside the U.S., exceeding two million people.
'A partner country like Malaysia is very significant for us. We call Malaysia part of our extended neighbourhood,' he said.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

The Star
36 minutes ago
- The Star
Rubio calls off his Japan and South Korea visit, Nikkei reports
TOKYO: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (pic) has called off his first visit to Japan and South Korea to focus on the Middle East, Japan's Nikkei newspaper reported on Thursday (July 3). Rubio was expected to land in Tokyo on Monday, but he has informed the Japanese and South Korean governments that his schedule will be postponed, the report said. Rubio had planned to visit Japan for the first time in early July, followed by South Korea, before attending the Asean foreign ministers' meetings in Malaysia, Kyodo reported last week, quoting a Japanese government official. Instead, Rubio is set to attend a meeting in Washington between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Nikkei added. Earlier in the day, Seoul's Foreign Ministry said that Rubio's visit to South Korea appears to be "difficult" to arrange in the near future. - Reuters


The Star
36 minutes ago
- The Star
Indonesian FM to attend Asean meetings in Kuala Lumpur
JAKARTA: Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono (pic) will join his Asean counterparts in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next week for the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and a series of related engagements from July 8 to 11. Indonesia's Foreign Ministry Director-General for Asean Cooperation, Siddharto Suryodhipuro, said Sugiono would participate in various sessions including regional dialogues and bilateral meetings with Asean's key partners. "The AMM is an opportunity for South-East Asia to address regional and global developments. Given the current dynamics in international politics, the ministers will discuss a range of issues, including those affecting South-East Asia and global situations impacting the region,' he told a press briefing here on Thursday (July 3). Siddharto said Sugiono is also scheduled to co-chair the Asean-Australia meeting alongside his Australian counterpart, as Indonesia currently serves as Asean's coordinator for relations with Australia. Malaysia currently holds the Asean chairmanship for 2025. It marks the country's fifth time at the helm of the regional grouping since its previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. Siddharto said that Sugiono is also expected to attend the Conference on Cooperation Among East Asian Countries for Palestinian Development, which Malaysia is also hosting. "With Sugiono's active participation, it reflects Indonesia's continued commitment to Asean and its efforts to promote a peaceful, stable and prosperous South-East Asia in line with national interests,' he said. - Bernama


The Sun
36 minutes ago
- The Sun
Mercy Malaysia urges ASEAN to prioritise Myanmar aid access
KUALA LUMPUR: Mercy Malaysia has urged ASEAN to reaffirm its commitment to the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) on Myanmar, emphasising the need for improved humanitarian access and a reinforced Special Envoy mechanism amid the ongoing crisis. As ASEAN Foreign Ministers prepare to meet in Kuala Lumpur this week, Mercy Malaysia's president, Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, highlighted that the 5PC remains the most viable framework for achieving peace and stability in Myanmar. 'In recent months, we have witnessed humanitarian convoys delayed at crossings while families beyond them remain without access to clean water, shelter or essential healthcare,' he said in a statement. The 5PC, established in 2021, outlines key steps including an end to violence, inclusive dialogue, mediation by a special envoy, humanitarian aid delivery, and envoy engagement with all parties. Ahmad Faizal stressed the need for structural improvements to the Special Envoy mechanism, calling for a clear operational mandate, unrestricted stakeholder access, and long-term resourcing. 'Humanitarianism can no longer be viewed as the responsibility of a few. It must become a shared regional ethos that sees suffering not only as a humanitarian emergency, but as a call for solidarity, structural justice and long-term engagement,' he added. The 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting is set to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from July 8 to 11.