New Delhi, February 8: In the India-Malaysia Joint Statement issued during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day official visit to Malaysia (Majority population consisting of South Indian Tamils in Malaysia) both countries reiterated their commitment to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and expand ties in all key areas of cooperation.
According to the joint statement issued by both countries, this visit gave a new direction to the centuries-old civilizational links, strong people-to-people ties, and friendship based on shared democratic values โโbetween India and Malaysia. Both countries agreed to comprehensively advance bilateral cooperation, including in political, economic, defense, digital, energy, education, health, culture, and regional and global issues.
The statement said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957, India-Malaysia relations have been based on mutual respect, shared interests, and democratic traditions. The bilateral relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024, which was further strengthened during the current visit. Both sides described regular high-level dialogues, Foreign Office Consultations, and Joint Commission meetings as a strong foundation for bilateral cooperation and agreed to advance parliamentary exchanges.
Describing trade and investment as key pillars of the relationship, the two leaders emphasized expanding cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, the digital economy, infrastructure, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, artificial intelligence, fintech, startups, and green technology.
Prime Minister Modi described India as a major investment destination for Malaysian companies, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim commended the strong presence of Indian companies in Malaysia and their contribution to creating high-skilled jobs. Both countries emphasized the need to ensure a timely and mutually beneficial review of the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and the ASEAN-India Trade Agreement. Efforts to promote trade settlements in local currencies were also appreciated.
They agreed to build stable, sustainable, and reliable supply chains in the food security and agriculture sectors. Malaysia reiterated its commitment to remain a reliable supplier of sustainable palm oil and both sides decided to enhance cooperation on the development of high value-added products in the palm oil value chain.
Under digital and financial cooperation, the establishment of the India-Malaysia Digital Council was welcomed, which will strengthen partnerships in fintech, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, and emerging technologies. Collaboration between UPI and Malaysia’s digital payment network was agreed to facilitate transactions for tourism, students, and small businesses.
The joint statement emphasized accelerating cooperation in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and solar energy projects in the energy sector. Describing the semiconductor industry as strategically important, the two countries agreed on joint efforts to promote technological innovation, skills development, and strengthen supply chains.
Regarding defense and security cooperation, the two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, reiterating their zero-tolerance policy. They agreed to further strengthen military exercises, defense dialogue, maritime cooperation, and counter-terrorism efforts. India-Malaysia joint military exercises and naval contacts were highlighted as important components of bilateral defense relations.
The two countries also agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of education, skills development, health, culture, and tourism. Emphasis was placed on facilitating the movement of students, professionals, and workers, promoting tourism, and strengthening air connectivity. Cooperation in traditional medicine, disaster management, and biodiversity conservation also found prominence in the joint statement.
On regional and multilateral issues, the two countries committed to enhancing cooperation in international forums, including the United Nations, reforming multilateral institutions, and supporting a rules-based international order. Malaysia welcomed India’s 2026 BRICS presidency, while India appreciated Malaysia’s support for UN Security Council reform.