India-Malaysia Forge Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

India and Malaysia have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The discussions addressed various areas of cooperation, including trade, defense, and digital technology, while also discussing regional security and combating terrorism.

In a significant diplomatic move, India and Malaysia have elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The decision came after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, focusing on enhancing cooperation across sectors like trade, defense, and digital technology.

One of the key agreements signed was for the recruitment and protection of Indian workers in Malaysia amid broader deliberations on food security and regional stability. Additionally, Malaysia backed India's bid for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council and expressed interest in procuring defense hardware from India.

The two leaders jointly condemned terrorism and emphasized the importance of ASEAN centrality and freedom of navigation in international waters, hinting at concerns over Chinese activities in the South China Sea. They also announced the formation of a digital council and a start-up alliance, aiming to boost technological cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies.)