India and Malaysia have elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, following extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday. The two leaders focused on expanding cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, and defence.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significant areas of collaboration, stating, "Our talks included subjects like defence, industry, FinTech, semiconductors, AI and more. We also discussed ways through which our StartUps can work more closely." He further emphasised the cultural linkages between the two nations, announcing the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and a Thiruvalluvar Chair at Universiti Malaya.
The meeting resulted in the signing of at least eight agreements, including a crucial pact on promoting the recruitment of Indian workers in Malaysia and protecting their interests. This agreement is particularly significant as it addresses concerns related to illegal immigration and human trafficking from India to Malaysia.
PM Modi, Malaysia's Ibrahim Discuss Trade Expansion, South China Sea, And Technological Collaboration
Prime Minister Modi, in his media statement, reiterated the importance of this partnership, saying, "Today, we have decided that our partnership will be elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." He also stressed the need to expand bilateral trade and investment, which is currently conducted in Indian Rupees and Malaysian Ringgit. "We believe that there is still a lot of potential in economic cooperation," he noted.
Addressing the situation in the South China Sea, Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, supporting peaceful resolutions to all disputes. "We are committed to freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international laws. And, advocate peaceful resolution of all disputes," he said.
In addition to economic ties, both leaders underscored the importance of technological collaboration. Modi called for increased cooperation in emerging areas such as semiconductors, FinTech, defence, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. He also mentioned efforts to connect India's digital payment system UPI with Malaysia's PayNet.
The talks also covered regional security issues, with both sides expressing a commitment to combating terrorism and extremism. Modi highlighted Malaysia's role as a key partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions, stating, "India gives priority to ASEAN centrality." He called for a timely review of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and ASEAN.
Prime Minister Ibrahim, in his remarks, praised India’s rich history and cultural diversity. He said, "India is a great nation with a great history and a great culture and civilisation. It is in many ways multi-cultural and multi-religious." He added that the relationship between the two countries extends beyond trade and investment, reflecting the true meaning of friendship.
The leaders also announced the formation of a digital council for cooperation in digital technology and a start-up alliance, further strengthening the partnership between India and Malaysia.