India and Malaysia have discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, research, technology and trade, with both countries exploring a formal agreement to strengthen their partnership.
The discussions took place between Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamed Bin Sabu during the ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry in New Delhi.
Both sides expressed interest in developing an MoU for joint agricultural research, technology and innovation. They also discussed germplasm exchange, trade and improved market access for agricultural products.
India also held separate agricultural discussions with Timor-Leste and Myanmar during the meeting.
Timor-Leste sought greater Indian support in agricultural research, food security and technical expertise. The two countries discussed exchanges of scientists and experts as well as cooperation in agriculture, forestry, livestock and aquaculture.
With Myanmar, India discussed expanding cooperation in pulses, cotton, dairy development, agricultural education and trade. An India–Myanmar MoU covering agriculture and allied sectors is also at an advanced stage of finalisation.
The meetings underline India’s growing focus on using research, technology, knowledge-sharing and agricultural trade to deepen food and farming partnerships with Southeast Asian countries.