SERI KEMBANGAN: Malaysia and India can emerge as voices of reason amidst heightening geopolitical uncertainty, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
As uncertainty looms amid heightening geopolitical tensions, Malaysia and India can emerge as neutral voices in the region, he added.
“At a time of great uncertainty, our region need voices that speak for dialogue over confrontation, for cooperation over narrow self interest.
Malaysia and India can be among those voices. Together with Modi, let me reiterate my commitment to deepening cooperation in trade, tech, education and culture,” said Anwar during a public engagement session with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi here yesterday.
Anwar said the worth of any partnership with any nation is measured by the difference it makes on the lives of ordinary people. He also regarded Modi to be a good friend of his.
“I followed your struggles and political tribulations, and I must say, I am fortunate to be the personal friend of Modi of India,” he added.
Anwar also spoke of a conversation both leaders had in the car ride they shared from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to The Mines Convention Centre.
“As I told you in the car, I am personally thankful and appreciative that I have a good friend from India joining us in Malaysia.”
Anwar said the cooperation between Malaysia and India in various high-value sectors, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductors, will define the future.
He added after Malaya garnered independence in 1957, its ties with India has steadily grown in terms of economic cooperation, digital engagement, and the movement of people and ideas between the two countries.
Anwar said last year, bilateral trade between Malaysia and India, which involved palm oil, electronics, petroleum products, engineering and pharmaceutical goods, reached US$19bil (RM74.98bil) last year.
“Cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, digital finance, AI and cyber-security, will define our century.
“As global supply chains reconfigure, there is real potential to make our regions a more resilient and trusted hub for high-tech manufacturing,” said Anwar.
