Anwar, Modi expand ties to focus on tech and food, among others
PETALING JAYA: Energy transition, digitalisation, semiconductors and food security are some of the areas in which India and Malaysia can collaborate on and explore, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries would further bolster the bilateral cooperation across different sectors, including education and military.
Anwar highlighted the shared expertise of both nations in the semiconductor industry, positioning Malaysia as a hub in South-East Asia and recognising India’s remarkable progress in the sector.
“We did emphasise the need to use both our experience and expertise in semiconductors – which Malaysia was fortunate to be considered as the hub in South-East Asia.
“India, of course, has excelled through their hard work and vision,” Anwar said during a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi yesterday.
He also said military collaboration between Malaysia and India will be enhanced, including joint operations to safeguard the borders of both countries.
Anwar said the relationship between the countries would be reciprocal, adding that Malaysia was also committed to invigorating the cooperation beyond trade and investment.
Ties that bind: Anwar with Modi during a ceremony to sign several memorandums of understanding at the Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Looking on are (from left) Sim, Gobind, Tiong and Tengku Zafrul and other Indian government officials. — Bernama
“We will extend this partnership, and I assure you it is reciprocal.
“We have a lot of commonalities that extend beyond trade and investment but also cultural vibrancy,” he added.
Anwar also announced that Malaysia and India have agreed to elevate their relationship from an Enhanced Strategic Partnership (ESP) to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
He said the mutual decision to enhance the relationship to CSP marked a significant step forward.
He acknowledged the long-standing ties between Malaysia and India, tracing them back to the days of their respective first prime ministers – Jawaharlal Nehru and Tunku Abdul Rahman.
The status of the Malaysia-India bilateral relationship was elevated to ESP in 2015 during Modi’s visit to Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Anwar expressed his gratitude to Modi and the Indian government for their warm hospitality and affirmed that Malaysia considers India a “great and true friend”.
He said his discussions with Modi, both in bilateral meetings and private conversations, were open and frank, covering all issues, including sensitive ones, reflecting the true meaning of friendship.
“We have established an understanding on a number of issues,” he said, adding that there are many areas where cooperation could be further explored.
While expressing regret that there had not been progress in recent years, Anwar emphasised the potential for greater collaboration and gave assurance that Malaysia will remain committed to reinvigorating these working relations in all fields.
Anwar also praised India’s rich history, culture, and civilisation, drawing parallels with Malaysia’s own multicultural and multi-religious society.
He noted that the commonalities between the two nations extend beyond trade and investment, encompassing cultural vibrancy.
The Malaysian delegation accompanying Anwar during the visit comprised Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
Anwar received a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, India’s presidential palace yesterday.
He is on a three-day official visit to India from Monday.
This marks his first official visit to the country since becoming Prime Minister in November 2022.
