India and Malaysia Forge Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Amid Key Bilateral Agreements During his India visit, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim addressed Zakir Naik's extradition issue as well, emphasising his country's stance on terrorism if evidence was shown.
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NEW DELHI: In a significant diplomatic development, India and Malaysia have elevated their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following extensive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The talks, held on Tuesday, focused on expanding cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, and defense.
Malaysia’s PM state visit to India and the List of Outcomes: MoU/Agreement:
1. MoU between the Government of India and the Government of Malaysia on the Recruitment, Employment, and Repatriation of workers.
2. MoU between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of India on Co-operation in the field of Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine.
3. MoU between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of India on cooperation in the field of Digital Technologies.
4. Program on Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of Malaysia in the field of Culture, Arts, and Heritage.
5. MoU between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of India on Cooperation in the field of Tourism.
6. MoU between the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Government of Malaysia and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Government of the Republic of India on Cooperation in Youth and Sports.
7. MoU between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of India on Cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Governance Reforms.
8. MoU between International Financial Centre Services Authority (IFSCA) with Labuan Financial Services Authority in relation to mutual cooperation.
9. *Presentation of Report of the 9th India- Malaysia CEO Forum held on 19 August 2024.* (Report jointly presented.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. India-Malaysia relationship elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
2. India-Malaysia Joint Statement.
3. Special Allocation of 200,000 MT of White Rice to Malaysia.
4. Allocation of 100 additional ITEC slots for Malaysian nationals.
5. Malaysia joining the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) as a founding member.
6. Establishment of Ayurveda Chair at University Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia.
7. Establishment of Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies at the Malaya University, Malaysia.
8. Cooperation between Start-up Ecosystems in both countries under an India-Malaysia Startup Alliance.
9. ndia-Malaysia Digital Council.
10. Convening of the 9th India-Malaysia CEO Forum.
Prime Minister Ibrahim’s visit, is the first to India since assuming office in 2022, marked a new chapter in India-Malaysia relations. Emphasizing the significance of the partnership, PM Modi stated, “Today, we have decided that our partnership will be elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” He further highlighted the ongoing economic engagement between the two nations, noting that bilateral trade is increasingly being conducted in Indian Rupees and the Malaysian Ringgit.
PM Modi stressed the untapped potential in economic cooperation, advocating for an expansion of trade and investment between the two countries. He also called for increased collaboration in emerging technological fields such as semiconductors, fintech, defense, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies. The leaders underscored the importance of accelerating the review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between India and Malaysia, and Modi announced efforts to link India’s digital payment system, UPI, with Malaysia’s PayNet.
The discussions also touched upon security concerns, with both leaders affirming their commitment to combating terrorism and extremism. In addition, they agreed to establish a digital council to enhance cooperation in digital technology and to form an alliance for startups.
In his address, Prime Minister Ibrahim underscored the deep-rooted ties between India and Malaysia, emphasizing the shared cultural and civilizational values that extend beyond mere trade and investment. “India is a great nation with a rich history and culture. Our commonalities create a strong foundation for our relationship,” he remarked.
The discussions also led to an agreement to establish an Ayurveda Chair at Malaysia’s University Tunku Abdul Rahman, reflecting the growing cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries.
During an interactive session at the Indian Council of World Affairs, PM Ibrahim addressed the issue of the controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, indicating that Malaysia may consider India’s extradition request if substantial evidence is provided.
In a significant political statement, Ibrahim also condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, labeling the situation as “sheer hypocrisy” on the part of Western nations. He criticized the international community for its selective condemnation of conflicts, contrasting the global response to the war in Ukraine with the lack of action against Israel’s actions in Gaza, which he described as atrocities.
This visit and the agreements signed therein are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between India and Malaysia, paving the way for deeper economic, cultural, and security cooperation in the years to come.
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-Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; X @shahidsiddiqui
