India and Malaysia Strengthen Ties: PM Modi and PM Anwar Ibrahim Discuss Trade, Security, and More
New Delhi, India – On August 21, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the importance of defence and security in the relationship between India and Malaysia. Malaysia has also expressed support for India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
Key Discussions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim held extensive talks covering various topics:
- Trade and commerce
- Defence and security
- Cultural exchanges
- People-to-people ties
- Emerging areas like digital technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy, and sustainable development
Support for UN Security Council Bid
MEA Secretary East, Jaideep Mazumdar, announced Malaysia’s support for India’s claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. He also mentioned the role of fintech start-ups, cross-border payment systems, and UPI-based systems in enhancing engagement with Malaysia.
Agreements and MoUs
Several important agreements were signed, including:
- Recruitment, employment, and repatriation of workers
- Public administration and governance reform
- Digital technologies
- Cultural cooperation
- Tourism promotion
- Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems
- Fintech and sports
- Supply of rolling stock for Indian railways
Tourism and Travel
Tourism between India and Malaysia is booming, with expectations of reaching 1 million Indian tourists to Malaysia this year. There are 220 flights a week between the two countries, and both nations have implemented visa-free regimes for tourists and business travelers.
Educational and Technological Initiatives
India will supply 200,000 metric tons of non-basmati rice to Malaysia. Chairs of Ayurveda and Thiruvalluvar will be set up at Malaysian universities. A digital council and a start-up bridge are being established to enhance digital and entrepreneurial connections. India is also offering 100 I-Tech seats in AI, cybersecurity, and machine learning for Malaysian students.
Big Cat Alliance
Malaysia has announced its decision to join the Big Cat Alliance, further strengthening the bilateral relationship.
Future Plans
The two Prime Ministers have tasked their teams to set up a task force to implement the diverse areas of engagement identified during this visit, with a report due in three months.
Doubts Revealed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: He is the leader of India and makes important decisions for the country.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim -: He is the leader of Malaysia and makes important decisions for his country.
Trade -: This means buying and selling goods and services between countries.
Defence -: This is about protecting a country from threats and making sure it is safe.
Cultural exchanges -: This means sharing traditions, art, and customs between countries to understand each other better.
Emerging technologies -: These are new and advanced technologies that are being developed and used.
UN Security Council -: This is a group in the United Nations that makes important decisions about keeping peace in the world.
Worker welfare -: This means making sure workers are treated well and have good working conditions.
Digital technologies -: These are technologies that use computers and the internet.
Tourism -: This is when people travel to different places for fun and to see new things.
Educational initiatives -: These are programs to improve learning and education.
Big Cat Alliance -: This is a group that works to protect big cats like tigers and lions.