Malaysia and India Strengthen Cooperation on REE and Biodiversity Conservation

Malaysia and India agreed to strengthen cooperation in biodiversity conservation, rare earth elements (REE), and green technology during high-level discussions held in Putrajaya on May 7, 2026. The meeting took place during a courtesy visit by the Indian delegation led by India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, B. N. Reddy, to Malaysia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES). The Indian delegation was hosted by Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh. Discussions focused on expanding collaboration in biodiversity protection and sustainable mineral development, particularly in the REE sector, which is increasingly important for clean energy technologies and global supply chains. Malaysia also reaffirmed its commitment to wildlife conservation through its participation in the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). Officials confirmed that Malaysia will attend the first IBCA Summit in New Delhi on June 1, 2026, where countries are expected to finalise the Delhi Declaration on big cat conservation, including measures related to the protection of the Malayan tiger. In the natural resources sector, Malaysia expressed interest in working with Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) to strengthen domestic REE processing capabilities through technology transfer and skills development. Both countries also discussed cooperation in green technology and circular economy investments ahead of the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM), scheduled for October 7–9, 2026.