India Strengthens Agricultural Ties with ASEAN Nations
On September 9, 2026, New Delhi played host to a series of significant meetings between India and various ASEAN nations, focusing on agricultural collaboration. Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India, engaged in talks with agricultural leaders from Malaysia, Timor-Leste, and Myanmar during the 9th ASEAN–India Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Forestry (9th AIMMAF). These discussions aimed to forge stronger partnerships in agricultural research and technology.
Collaboration with Malaysia
During his meeting with H.E. Mr. Mohamed Bin Sabu, Malaysia’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, both ministers highlighted the critical need for knowledge sharing and best practices in agriculture. They expressed interest in enhancing collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which would provide a formal framework for cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors. The ministers agreed that bilateral issues, including germplasm exchange and trade, should be addressed jointly, reinforcing the robust agricultural partnership between India and Malaysia.
Support for Timor-Leste
Shri Chouhan also met with H.E. Mr. Marcos Da Cruz, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry. The Timor-Leste minister expressed a desire to develop a strong institutional mechanism to tackle agricultural challenges and ensure food security. Chouhan assured his counterpart of India’s commitment to sharing best practices and enhancing Timor-Leste’s agricultural research capabilities through the exchange of scientists and experts. The discussion also included the prospect of sending a team of technical experts to Timor-Leste to assess agricultural challenges and provide recommendations.
Strengthening Ties with Myanmar
The final meeting on that day was with H.E. Mr. Min Naung, Myanmar’s Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation. Minister Chouhan welcomed the Myanmar minister, noting the long-standing cultural and historical ties between the two nations, which share a 1,600-kilometer border. They discussed the advanced stage of an MoU aimed at bolstering cooperation in agriculture. Discussions also centered on exploring trade opportunities, particularly in pulses, cotton, dairy development, and agricultural education, with Myanmar suggesting favorable investment opportunities to enhance economic collaboration.
Representatives from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Department of Agricultural Research (DARE) supported all three meetings, underscoring India’s commitment to advancing agriculture across the region. The discussions reflect a growing emphasis on international cooperation to tackle global agricultural challenges.
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