India-Malaysia

Why in the news?

  • India and Malaysia are co-chairing the 6th India-Malaysia Joint Commission Meeting in New Delhi.
  • The meeting aims to assess the progress of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership in various areas, including politics, defense, security, trade, investment, health, science, technology, culture, tourism, and people-to-people connections.
  • Both countries will discuss regional and multilateral topics of shared concern during the meeting.

Malaysia Geography

  • Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and consists of two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Borneo).
  • Peninsular Malaysia shares its borders with Thailand in the north and is separated from Indonesia by the Strait of Malacca in the

Strait of Malacca

  • The Strait of Malacca is a narrow, 805 km-long waterway located between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
  • It connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea, making it one of the world’s most vital maritime passages.
  • The strait’s strategic significance lies in its role as a major trade route, facilitating the flow of goods, including oil and natural gas, between Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region.
  • About one-fourth of the world’s traded goods, including energy resources, pass through this waterway.
  • Its narrowness and busy traffic make it a potential chokepoint, making it important for regional and global security and trade.
  • The country is known for its extensive coastline along the South China Sea.
  • Peninsular Malaysia also boasts lush rainforests, including the world’s oldest tropical rainforest.
  • The country experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year.
  • Malaysia is crisscrossed by numerous rivers, with major ones including the Rajang and Kinabatangan.
  • The geography of Malaysia plays a vital role in its economy, offering resources like palm oil, rubber, and minerals.
  • Its strategic location along key maritime routes contributes to its significance in regional and international trade.