PUTRAJAYA: The deepening friendship between India and Malaysia is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas, particularly the digital economy and semiconductor industries, says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi described the relationship between India and Malaysia as “truly special”, saying that both nations are maritime neighbours whose peoples have shared deep, close and enduring ties for centuries.
“My friend (Prime Minister Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim has played an important role in this.
“Our collaboration in energy, infrastructure and manufacturing has been robust, while cooperation in the digital economy, biotechnology and information technology has driven higher mutual investments,” Modi said at a joint press conference with Anwar here yesterday.
“Inspired by these achievements, today we have decided to take our partnership to an unprecedented level of depth and intensity.”
In the area of security, Modi said both countries will further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security.
“Defence cooperation will also be expanded.
“Alongside artificial intelligence and digital technologies, we will advance partnerships in healthcare, agriculture and food security,” he noted.
He said both Malaysia and India also shared the view that reform of global institutions is essential to address today’s challenges.
“We will continue to support all efforts for peace, and our message on terrorism is clear: no double standards, no compromises,” he said.
Modi said tourism and people-to-people exchanges have also continued to strengthen, with both sides agreeing to further elevate their partnership.
