India, Malaysia elevate ties to strategic partnership

TDT | Agencies

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

India and Malaysia have elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signing multiple agreements during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s first official visit to India.

The visit marks a significant milestone as the two nations commemorate a decade of enhanced strategic partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart held extensive discussions on various aspects of cooperation, including defense, trade, digital technologies, education, and tourism.

The leaders emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation in addressing global challenges, condemning terrorism and pledging to work together to bring perpetrators to justice. The two countries signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering areas such as labor repatriation, traditional medicine, digital technologies, and financial services.

These agreements aim to strengthen cooperation and promote greater cultural and economic exchanges between the nations. One notable agreement involves the collaboration between India’s UPI and Malaysia’s PayNet, enhancing digital financial infrastructure between the two countries. Additionally, 100 seats will be allocated for Malaysians under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, further fostering educational and technological collaboration.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral trade, which reached a record high of USD 19.5 billion, and agreed to expedite the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to further facilitate trade. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for Malaysia’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, highlighting India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality.

The leaders also discussed enhancing cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, with Malaysia supporting India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.