RT team
India and Malaysia have progressed their diplomatic relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership following extensive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The talks, which occurred on Tuesday, covered a wide range of cooperation areas including trade, investment, and defense.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of a pivotal agreement to enhance the recruitment and protection of Indian workers in Malaysia, along with at least seven other agreements. This agreement is crucial given the ongoing concerns over illegal immigration and human trafficking between the two nations.
Prime Minister Ibrahim’s visit, which began on Monday night, marks his first official trip to India since taking office. In a statement to the press, Modi highlighted the elevation of their bilateral ties and underscored the importance of the new worker agreement in safeguarding Indian expatriates’ interests.
Modi emphasized the ongoing economic exchanges between the two countries, now conducted in their respective currencies, the Rupee and the Ringgit. He pointed to the potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment and called for increased cooperation in emerging technological fields such as semiconductors, fintech, defense, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.
Further collaborations include linking India’s UPI digital payment system with Malaysia’s PayNet and a mutual commitment to counter terrorism and extremism. Modi also stressed the strategic importance of Malaysia in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions and reaffirmed their commitment to navigational and overflight freedoms in line with international law.
The leaders also agreed to establish a digital council and a startup alliance, reflecting the dynamic nature of their partnership. Additional initiatives include setting up an Ayurveda chair at Malaysia’s University Tunku Abdul Rahman and a Tiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya.
In his remarks, Ibrahim acknowledged the broad and meaningful discussions reflective of the strong friendship between India and Malaysia, praising India’s rich cultural and civilizational heritage.
