Kuala Lumpur | RBN News
India and Malaysia on Sunday agreed to significantly deepen cooperation across trade, defence, security, semiconductors, and emerging technologies following extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim.
The high-level discussions, held after a ceremonial welcome for PM Modi at Perdana Putra, resulted in the exchange of 11 agreements and understandings, reinforcing the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2024.
Focus on Security, Defence and Counter-Terrorism
Both leaders reaffirmed a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, strongly condemning terrorism in all forms, including cross-border terrorism. They agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, maritime security, and transnational crime, as well as coordination at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations and FATF.
PM Modi said India’s position on terrorism remains unequivocal, stressing that there can be “no double standards and no compromise.”
Boost to Trade and Economic Integration
The two sides welcomed progress in the ongoing review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) and agreed to complete it at the earliest. They also reiterated the importance of the Malaysia–India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (MICECA) in expanding bilateral trade and investment.
India thanked Malaysia for its support in strengthening India’s engagement with ASEAN, with PM Modi emphasising that ASEAN centrality remains a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
Semiconductors and Emerging Technologies
A major outcome of the visit was a renewed push for collaboration in the semiconductor sector, an area of strategic importance for both countries. Malaysia, a major global exporter of semiconductors, and India agreed to expand cooperation alongside partnerships in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, healthcare, and food security.
Key Agreements and Initiatives
The documents exchanged cover a wide range of sectors, including:
- Semiconductor cooperation
- Disaster management
- Health and medicine
- Audio-visual co-production
- Vocational education and training (TVET)
- UN peacekeeping cooperation
- Combating corruption
- Social security coordination
- Security cooperation between national security councils
Both sides also announced:
- Establishment of a new Indian Consulate General in Malaysia
- Creation of a Thiruvalluvar Centre at Universiti Malaya
- Launch of Thiruvalluvar Scholarships for Malaysian nationals
- Cooperation on cross-border digital payments between NPCI International and Malaysia’s PAYNET
- An MoU on Ayurveda education and research
People-to-People and Cultural Ties
PM Modi highlighted the strong people-to-people connections, particularly the shared cultural bond through the Tamil language, which has a vibrant presence in Malaysia’s education, media, and cultural life. He expressed confidence that cultural exchanges, including films and music, would further strengthen ties.
During the visit, PM Modi also met leaders of the Indian-origin community and an Indian National Army veteran, acknowledging their contributions to Malaysia and to bilateral relations.
Shared Strategic Outlook
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described the meeting as vital, strategic and critical, noting that India–Malaysia ties have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership with expanding cooperation in trade, technology, defence, education, healthcare, tourism, and energy.
As PM Modi concluded his visit and departed for New Delhi, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing a future-oriented partnership anchored in shared democratic values, economic growth, and regional stability.
