Kuala Lumpur (Rajeev Sharma): India and Malaysia on Sunday agreed to widen their strategic partnership after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim held detailed discussions covering security, defence, technology and trade. During the talks, Modi reaffirmed India’s firm position on terrorism, asserting that there would be “no room for double standards and no scope for compromise” in tackling the menace.
Speaking after the meeting, the Prime Minister said the relationship between the two countries goes beyond diplomacy, shaped by centuries of maritime contact, shared cultural traditions and democratic values. He described Malaysia as a close partner in India’s outreach to Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
Modi said both governments would intensify cooperation in counter-terrorism measures, intelligence coordination and maritime safety, adding that defence engagement would be expanded in a more structured and comprehensive manner. “Security challenges today are interconnected, and our response must be equally coordinated,” he noted.
Beyond security, the leaders agreed to accelerate collaboration in future-focused sectors. Modi said India and Malaysia would work closely on artificial intelligence, digital innovation and semiconductor manufacturing, while also strengthening partnerships in healthcare, food security and supply chains.
The Prime Minister also underlined India’s broader Indo-Pacific vision, calling the region a major engine of global growth. He said India remains committed to promoting peace, stability and development across the region in partnership with ASEAN nations.
Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and was received with full honours, including a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra ahead of the talks. He highlighted the role of the Indian-origin community in Malaysia as a living bridge between the two countries.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Kuala Lumpur values its growing engagement with New Delhi, noting steady progress in trade, investment, connectivity and defence cooperation. He added that India’s expanding economic footprint and global influence present new opportunities for deeper collaboration between the two nations.
