India and Malaysia have taken significant steps to strengthen their bilateral relationship as they mark the 10th anniversary of their enhanced strategic partnership. This deepening relationship, marked by increased cooperation across various sectors, has now been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments was signed, focusing on the recruitment, employment and repatriation of workers, cooperation in the field of ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine, digital tech, culture, youth affairs and sports.
During the press briefing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep gratitude to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his dedicated efforts in strengthening the India-Malaysia relationship.“India and Malaysia are completing 10 years of their enhanced strategic partnership. Over the two years, thanks to the efforts of PM Ibrahim, our relationship has received more energy and impetus,” he said.
Both countries are keen on tapping into full potential of their economic collaboration. PM Modi emphasised the importance of expanding cooperation in key sectors. “Our economic cooperation has more potential. We must increase cooperation in fintech, defence, AI and quantum technologies,” he added.
In a bid to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, India and Malaysia have decided to establish a Digital Council and a Startup Council. These initiatives are expected to provide a robust platform for startups in both nations. “We have taken the decision to establish a digital council and a startup council,” PM Modi announced.
Defence cooperation was another key area of discussion. “We spoke about cooperation in the defence sector. Our views are aligned in the fight against terrorism and extremism,” he highlighted.
A new labour agreement between the two countries aims to improve the recruitment and protection of Indian workers in Malaysia. Modi underscored India’s commitment to regional cooperation, “India accords priority to ASEAN centrality. We agree that India and ASEAN must accelerate review of their FTA,” he stated.
The discussions also highlighted the personal camaraderie between the two leaders. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his deep respect for PM Modi, saying, “PM Modi is my dost. He is my brother. Not just when I was Prime Minister but when I was nobody, he was a true friend.”
Reflecting on the challenges in recent years, Anwar remarked, “There are so many areas we need to explore together. It’s unfortunate that in the last few years, that cooperation has not been forthcoming.” However, he remained optimistic about the future, particularly in new areas of collaboration like the semiconductor field, stating, “Knowing Prime Minister Modi’s style where there are no delays we have asked for a report on progress in three months.”
The two leaders did not mention discussions on India’s request for radical preacher Zakir Naik’s extradition from Malaysia. The matter has come up repeatedly in bilateral talks over the last eight years.
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