P Margherita Strengthens India’s Southeast Asia Ties, Spotlight on Northeast and Semiconductor Collaboration

Pabitra Margherita leads India’s engagement in Malaysia, focusing on semiconductor cooperation, diaspora ties, and economic collaboration under the Act East Policy. His visit highlights Northeast India's growing role in foreign policy and includes participation in the MATTA Fair 2025.

Pabitra Margherita, Union Minister of State for External Affairs is actively shaping India’s outreach to Southeast Asia, bringing a refreshing focus on trade, investment, and the Indian diaspora—especially highlighting the growing importance of the Northeast region in India’s foreign policy narrative.

On Sunday, during his visit to Malaysia, Margherita held a constructive meeting with YB Liew Chin Tong, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. Their discussions centered on boosting bilateral economic cooperation, with a shared emphasis on the semiconductor sector, an area of mutual strategic interest.

“Had a productive meeting... Discussed ways to further enhance India-Malaysia trade, investment, and economic cooperation as well as means to provide impetus for our burgeoning collaboration in the Semiconductor sector,” Margherita shared in a post on X.

As a minister hailing from Assam, Margherita's role also symbolizes the Northeast’s increasing role in India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to deepen engagement with ASEAN nations through improved connectivity, commerce, and cultural ties.

Beyond the boardrooms, Margherita also spent time connecting with the Indian community in Malaysia, particularly members of the Assamese and Manipuri diasporas. His interactions highlighted the meaningful contributions of these communities to fostering people-to-people ties and cultural bridges between India and Malaysia.

“Interacted with the vibrant Indian community in Malaysia, including members of the Assamese and Manipuri diaspora. Their contributions to strengthening India-Malaysia ties are noteworthy,” he shared warmly.

In addition to economic talks, Margherita met with YB Kulasegaran Murugeson, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Law and Institutional Reform. Their conversation focused on enhancing legal and institutional cooperation, with both sides expressing commitment to deepening dialogue in these areas.

Recognizing the vital role of the private sector, the Minister also engaged with leaders from the Consortium of Indian Industries in Malaysia (CIIM) and the Malaysia-India Business Council (MIBC)—describing them as important stakeholders in the growing India-Malaysia economic relationship.

Margherita is currently leading India’s delegation at the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Fair in Kuala Lumpur (April 18–19), under the ASEAN-India Tourism Professionals Exchange Programme 2025, further building bridges through tourism, culture, and professional exchange.