Malaysia sees no threat in India’s drive for vegetable oil self-sufficiency

Malaysia does not view India’s ambitious drive to become self-sufficient in edible oils through the National Mission on Edible Oils – Palm Oil (NMEO-OP) as a threat but as a strategic opportunity. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has welcomed the initiative as a progressive step towards enhancing India’s food security, reaffirming the role of Malaysia, the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, as a key and long-term supplier.

Despite India’s efforts to develop its own palm oil plantations, Malaysian palm oil remains an important element of the Indian market, which imported 3 million tonnes of palm oil from Malaysia in 2024. With palm oil accounting for 34.2% of India’s total edible oil consumption, Malaysian supplies play a key role in sectors such as the food processing, retail and hospitality industries.

According to Belvinder Sron, CEO of MPOC, due to the long maturation period of oil palm, India will continue to be dependent on imports in the near to medium term. “We do not view NMEO-OP as competition but as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation,” Sron said in an email interview, adding that the availability, quality and stability of Malaysian palm oil supplies support India’s growth trajectory.

Tags: India, Malaysia, palm oil