India and Malaysia Forge Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
New Delhi:
Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, concluded his state visit to India today, marking the first visit of a Malaysian Prime Minister to South Asia. This visit, initiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted a significant milestone in the evolving bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Accompanied by a high-level Malaysian delegation, including Foreign Affairs Minister Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan and several other key ministers, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was ceremonially received at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and paid tribute at Raj Ghat to Mahatma Gandhi. The visit featured bilateral talks, a banquet hosted by Prime Minister Modi, and a call on Indian President Droupadi Murmu. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also delivered a speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs and engaged in discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar.
The leaders officially elevated the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership, established in 2015, to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This upgrade reflects the depth and breadth of their bilateral ties and mutual commitment to regional and global stability.
Key outcomes of the visit include:
MoUs Exchange: Both leaders witnessed the signing of multiple MoUs covering areas such as employment, traditional medicine, digital technologies, culture, tourism, public administration, and financial services.
Economic Cooperation: The Prime Ministers acknowledged a record bilateral trade of $19.5 billion and encouraged further industrial cooperation and investments.
Defense and Security: They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen defense cooperation, including joint exercises, R&D, and expanding defense industry collaboration.
Digital and Technological Ties: The signing of an MoU on Digital Technologies was highlighted, with an emphasis on advancing digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
Education and Culture: Discussions included enhancing cooperation in higher education and cultural exchanges, including establishing new academic chairs and promoting sustainable energy initiatives.
Both leaders also agreed to enhance air connectivity, streamline visa regimes, and support ASEAN centrality in international affairs. They emphasized the need for a rules-based international order and pledged to work together on multilateral issues, including UNSC reform.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Malaysia, aiming to continue the momentum of this partnership.
This visit underscores the strengthened ties and strategic alignment between India and Malaysia, setting a foundation for future collaboration across diverse sectors.
