PM Modi vows stronger India-Malaysia ties in strategic pivot; says no room for double standards on terror
After wide-ranging talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Modi reiterated India’s stance on fighting terrorism, saying: “Our message on terrorism is clear. No double standards. No compromise.”
The two sides signed a total of 11 agreements and documents to expand cooperation in a number of key areas, including a framework agreement for deeper engagement in the semiconductor sector and another agreement between the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and the Central Bureau of Anti-Corruption Investigation (CBI).
Modi and Ibrahim, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, appreciated efforts to promote the use of local currencies – Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit – in trade deals.
It is learned that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Reserve Bank of Malaysia are discussing ways to operationalize it.
Describing the India-Malaysia relationship as “special”, Modi said, “We will pave the way for economic transformation through strategic trust.”
“We are maritime neighbours. Our people have had deep and sincere ties for centuries,” he told the media. he said. While it was learned that India continued to pressure Kuala Lumpur for the extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, people familiar with the issue stated that there were also technical dimensions to the matter.
In his speech, Ibrahim drew attention to India’s economic growth and said that his country would benefit greatly if more ways and opportunities were obtained to cooperate with New Delhi.
“This (India’s economic growth) is an extraordinary rise on the international eco and trade scene,” he said, calling the decision to use local currencies for bilateral trade “remarkable”.
During the talks, Malaysia extended its support for India’s permanent membership in the reformed UN Security Council.
Elaborating on the issue of engagement in the field of security, Modi said that cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security will be strengthened, and both sides will further expand defense ties.
Stating that the discussions at the CEO Forum opened new opportunities for trade and investment, he said, “We will develop partnerships in the fields of semiconductors, health and food safety, as well as artificial intelligence and digital technologies.”
According to the joint statement, the two prime ministers also “unequivocally and strongly condemned” all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, and called for “zero tolerance” for terrorism.
The two leaders also called for joint global efforts to comprehensively and sustainably combat terrorism and agreed to work against radicalization and violent extremism.
They also decided to work to combat the financing of terrorism and prevent the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.
Modi announced the establishment of a special Thiruvalluvar chair at the University of Malaya and also announced New Delhi’s decision to establish a Consulate General of India in Malaysia.
The Prime Minister touched upon India’s stance on the Indo-Pacific and its firm views on ASEAN, the 10-nation group that defines its central position in the region.
“The Indo-Pacific region is emerging as the engine of global growth. Together with ASEAN, we are committed to promoting development, peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific. India gives high priority to ASEAN centrality,” he said.
“With the support of friendly countries like Malaysia, India will further expand its relationship with ASEAN. We agree that the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) should be completed as soon as possible,” he added.
Modi said he and Ibrahim also had a “meaningful discussion” on regional and global issues.
“In this environment of global instability, the friendship developing between India and Malaysia is vital for both countries.”
“We share the view that reforming global institutions is essential to cope with today’s challenges. We will continue to support all efforts towards peace. Our message on terrorism is also clear: No double standards. No compromise,” he added.
“We appreciate your commitment to India-Malaysia relations. Let’s realize your dream of a prosperous Malaysia and our resolve for a developed India together,” Modi said. he said.
Modi and Ibrahim also agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral forums, including the UN, and support reforms of international institutions.
“They pledged to work together to develop multilateralism that reflects contemporary realities, with the aim of making international organizations, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), more representative,” the joint statement said. The statement was included.
“Reflecting the strong spirit of mutual support in multilateral forums, the two leaders discussed mutual support for various international candidacies. India deeply appreciated Malaysia’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC,” the statement said.
At the media briefing, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, said Malaysia remains a key partner in India’s East Policy Act, MAHASAGAR vision (Mutual and Integral Progress for Security and Growth among Regions) and the Indo-Pacific vision.
PM Modi also said he thanked Malaysia for its support to the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).
When asked about UPI’s proposed tie-ups with banks in Malaysia, Kumaran said it was being discussed.
“It involves a series of technical steps. More than one bank needs to be engaged on both sides,” he said.
“It also needs some sort of software compatibility on both sides. It also needs to put in place a number of point-of-sale machines and some form of collaboration with merchants on both sides so that tourists and other visitors can benefit from this connection,” he added.
