India and Malaysia on February 8 unveiled several initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation between the countries in the fields of defense and security, semiconductors and trade. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official state visit to Malaysia where he held extensive talks with PM counterpart Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
After meeting reporters, Modi said that India and Malaysia share a “special relationship” and that both sides are committed to expanding their ties in various sectors.
Modi is given a grand welcome in Kuala Lumpur
The Prime Minister landed in Kuala Lumpur on February 7 and received a grand red carpet welcome from Prime Minister Ibrahim. He was also given a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra this morning.
“India and Malaysia share a special relationship. We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, our people have had deep and loving ties. Today, Malaysia is the second largest country in the world with a population of Indian origin. We are united by our civilization, common cultural heritage and democratic values,” he said.
Ibrahim also hosted an official lunch in Modi’s honor and led the exchange of a series of bilateral documents aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation.
Pledged to develop Indo-Pacific, ASEAN ‘growth engine’: Modi
“The Indo-Pacific region is emerging as the growth engine of the world,” Modi said, adding that India is committed to development, peace and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region along with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).
He added that the two sides will strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security; and make defense cooperation more comprehensive. “Along with artificial intelligence and digital technologies, we will expand our partnership in semiconductors, health and food security,” Modi added.
He was in the Southeast Asian country at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1957 and were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024.