Malaysian PM Ibrahim calls PM Modi a ‘true friend’ with ‘full of trust and understanding’ | World News

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “true friend” with whom he has a “trusted” exchange of ideas.

“We find this meeting and these contacts very vital, very strategic and critical to advance and develop relations between India and Malaysia. We have had long-standing relations since 1957, but we have upgraded it to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024,” Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kuala Lumpur, noting “deep historical ties, strong people-to-people ties and strong relations”. ever-expanding economic cooperation”.

“We will continue to deepen cooperation in all areas, including trade and investment, semiconductors, digital economy, local currency trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, food, security, defence, education, health, tourism, culture and people-to-people. It is truly comprehensive and we believe that with the determination of both our governments and foreign ministers, we can advance it and carry it out quickly,” he said.

The Malaysian Prime Minister said both countries exchanged 11 documents, including memorandums of understanding, in an exchange of letters that “went beyond normal bilateral agreements” as peacekeeping cooperation on semiconductor, health and security cooperation was also covered.

Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim also expressed hope to expand trade cooperation with India, going beyond the $8.59 billion figure reached in 2025. He also described the use of the local currency, the rupee, and the Malaysian ringgit as a “remarkable achievement”.

“India is growing rapidly and this means a phenomenal rise in the international economic trade scene and therefore, in the context of ASEAN, Malaysia will definitely benefit greatly if we can get more avenues and opportunities to cooperate with India to go beyond the $18.59 billion we achieved in 2025.

He said educational ties remain “important” as many Malaysians study in India and there are increasing numbers of Indian students in Malaysia as well.

“Over the last decade under the prime ministership of my good friend Prime Minister Modi, you have seen spectacular recognition of India’s centers of excellence in education. This is not only comparable, but many of them have achieved extraordinary recognition beyond institutions known in the West. So, we would certainly explore this to increase the number of students in disciplines and fields to study in India,” the Malaysian Prime Minister said. he said.

He also emphasized the need to focus on tourism and connectivity.

The Malaysian Prime Minister said, “I must express my appreciation that my meetings with Prime Minister Modi are not just normal diplomatic contacts, but meetings between true friends, full of trust and understanding. Therefore, I must take this opportunity to express my respect and gratitude to him for his firm commitment to support all peace efforts, be it in Ukraine-Russia or in the Middle East, especially in the case of Gaza. His peacekeeping efforts are obvious.” he said.

“As a sign of our good relations, I immediately agreed to support the Government of India’s decision to open an Indian consulate in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.”

Earlier in the day, both leaders held delegation-level talks and discussed ways to improve bilateral relations in various sectors, including defense and security.

Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with a ceremony at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit is seen as an important step towards further deepening the enduring friendship between India and Malaysia based on mutual trust, shared values ​​and common aspirations for the future.