India and Malaysia Elevate Bilateral Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

In a significant development, India and Malaysia have agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The decision was made during high-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is on his first visit to India as prime minister.

The discussions between the two leaders focused on deepening cooperation in trade, investment, and emerging sectors, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening ties. A series of agreements were signed, including a key pact on employment and the repatriation of workers, as well as a memorandum to enhance cooperation in digital technologies.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of the new partnership, stating, “We have decided that the India-Malaysia partnership will be elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. There is immense potential for collaboration in the economic sphere.” He also highlighted Malaysia’s role as a crucial partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions and called for a timely review of the free trade agreement between India and ASEAN.

The leaders also discussed linking India’s UPI payment system with Malaysia’s PayNet, signaling a commitment to advancing digital cooperation. Defense collaboration and joint efforts to combat terrorism and extremism were also key points of discussion.

Prime Minister Ibrahim echoed these sentiments, noting that all issues, including sensitive ones, were addressed openly, underscoring the depth of the friendship between the two nations.

This historic elevation of ties marks a new chapter in India-Malaysia relations, promising enhanced cooperation and shared prosperity for both nations.