Kuala Lumpur: India and Malaysia on Sunday announced a fresh push to strengthen their bilateral relationship, unveiling new initiatives across defence, security, technology and trade following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur.
After the meeting, Prime Minister Modi described India–Malaysia ties as unique and deeply rooted, stressing that both nations are determined to expand cooperation in both traditional and emerging sectors. Emphasising India’s firm stance on global security challenges, Modi said, “Our stand on terrorism is very clear — there can be no double standards and no compromise.”
The discussions focused strongly on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence exchange and maritime security, reflecting shared concerns over regional stability. Modi said defence ties between the two countries would be made broader and more structured, signalling closer coordination between the armed forces and security establishments.
Highlighting economic and technological priorities, the Prime Minister said India and Malaysia will work together in advanced areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and digital innovation. “Along with digital technologies, we will move forward together in sectors like semiconductors, healthcare and food security,” he said, underlining the importance of resilient supply chains.
Modi also spoke about the growing strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, calling it a major driver of global growth. He said India remains committed to peace, development and stability in the region, in close partnership with ASEAN nations. According to him, cooperation with Malaysia is a key pillar of India’s wider Indo-Pacific vision.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed similar sentiments, noting that bilateral ties have steadily expanded across trade, investment, connectivity and defence. He praised India’s rapid economic rise and growing influence in global trade, calling it a positive opportunity for deeper collaboration between the two nations.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Putrajaya, a gesture reflecting the warmth of India–Malaysia relations. Modi had arrived in Kuala Lumpur a day earlier, where he was personally welcomed by Anwar Ibrahim, underlining the close personal and diplomatic bond between the two leaders.
