India-Malaysia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

India and Malaysia have agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim discussed trade, digital technology, defence cooperation, and regional security. Several agreements, including one on employment and repatriation of workers, were signed.

On Tuesday, India and Malaysia decided to elevate their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, following a series of discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

During these talks, various agreements were signed, including those focused on employment, worker repatriation, and the enhancement of digital technology cooperation, marking a significant step in their bilateral ties.

Ibrahim commenced his three-day official visit to India on Monday night, his first as prime minister. The discussions prominently revolved around expanding trade, exploring new investment opportunities, and fostering partnerships in emerging sectors.

Modi emphasized the vast potential for economic collaboration between the two nations, while describing Malaysia as a critical partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. They also concurred on the need for a timely review of the free trade agreement between India and ASEAN.

Significant deliberations were held to link India's payment system UPI with Malaysia's PayNet to boost financial transactions between the countries. Defence cooperation and the commitment to combat terrorism and extremism were also key topics of discussion.

Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to freedom of navigation and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international laws, particularly concerning the South China Sea. Prime Minister Ibrahim highlighted that the discussions covered all critical issues, reflecting the comprehensive and sincere friendship between India and Malaysia.

(With inputs from agencies.)