India and Malaysia on Sunday underscored the strategic importance of semiconductor cooperation, trade and defence as central pillars of their evolving bilateral partnership, following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The discussions, held during Modi’s two-day official visit to Malaysia, resulted in the exchange of 11 cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) encompassing key sectors including semiconductors, disaster management and peacekeeping.
A joint statement released after the meetings affirmed both countries’ intent to future-proof their bilateral relationship amid global economic uncertainties, with a clear focus on strengthening semiconductor value chains, technology partnerships and workforce development.
In addition to technology ties, the leaders reiterated commitments to boost bilateral trade, with officials aiming to build on last year’s US$18.6 billion commerce figure and enhance facilitation of local-currency settlement, notably in Indian rupees and Malaysian ringgit, to reduce transaction costs and currency risks.
Defence and security cooperation also featured prominently, with both sides expressing satisfaction at the growing depth of military-to-military engagement and agreeing to make defence collaboration more comprehensive.
The partnership expansion reflects a broader strategic agenda, with the two governments also committing to digital economy initiatives, advanced manufacturing, energy collaboration and people-to-people links. Digital cooperation received a boost with the establishment of a Malaysia-India Digital Council to drive joint work in areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Officials highlighted the visit as a significant step in transitioning the relationship from traditional diplomatic cooperation to a technology-driven, strategically integrated partnership aimed at long-term economic resilience and shared regional stability.
The outcomes of the visit are expected to shape future bilateral engagements, as both nations pursue expanded trade, deeper technological collaboration and reinforced defence ties in the Indo-Pacific context. |
