India and Malaysia Strengthen Ties with New Agreements

India and Malaysia signed agreements covering labor, Ayurveda, digital technologies, culture, tourism, youth sports, public administration, and governance.

These agreements followed talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim in New Delhi.

Modi announced the upgrade from an Enhanced Strategic Partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

He highlighted renewed momentum and potential for economic and defense cooperation and emphasized joint efforts against terrorism and extremism.

Key points include:

• Fintech and semiconductors cooperation
• Linking UPI with Malaysia’s PayNet
• Trade settlements in INR and MYR
• $5 billion Malaysian investment in India

Modi reiterated support for Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship and a timely review of the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement.

Anwar bin Ibrahim acknowledged India’s rich history and expressed interest in further collaboration.

Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, noted discussions on trade, defense, security, cultural exchanges, and emerging areas like semiconductors and renewable energy.