New Delhi, Feb. 8 -- India has long been underestimated in terms of its power, influence, and role in shaping regional and global economic leadership. Today, its emergence as a global economic powerhouse and a decisive balancing force in the Indo-Pacific has never been more consequential-particularly as China enters a prolonged phase of economic deceleration and strategic friction.

For Malaysia and Southeast Asia, India's transformation is not abstract. India now lies squarely at the centre of their future economic and geopolitical interests, providing a critical pillar of stability through economic resilience, security support, food and energy security, technology access, and strategic optionality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit ...