Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and stressed the need to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies following wide-ranging talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur.

Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi described the Indo-Pacific as the world’s emerging growth engine and reiterated India’s resolve to work with ASEAN to promote development, peace and stability in the region. “We remain committed, together with ASEAN, to development, peace, and stability across the Indo-Pacific. India prioritises ASEAN centrality,” he said, while congratulating Malaysia on its chairmanship of the regional bloc.

The Prime Minister said both sides had agreed to complete the review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) at the earliest. He also announced stronger cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security, alongside expanded defence ties.

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“Along with AI and digital technologies, we will advance partnerships in semiconductors, health and food security,” PM Modi said, adding that the CEO Forum held on the sidelines had opened new avenues for trade and investment. “Through strategic trust, we will pave the way for economic transformation,” he noted.

Taking a firm stand on terrorism, the Prime Minister said, “Our message on terrorism is clear: No double standards. No compromise.”

Role of the Indian diaspora

Highlighting the role of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi noted that Malaysia is home to around three million people of Indian origin, describing them as a vital link between the two countries. “This ‘live-in bridge’ of three million diaspora members is a significant strength for us,” he said, recalling his interaction with the community alongside PM Ibrahim.

He said initiatives such as a social security agreement for Indian workers, free e-visas for tourism and the rollout of UPI in Malaysia would ease travel and daily life for citizens of both nations. “A partnership is truly strong and successful only when its benefits reach the people directly,” he added.

Affinity for Tamil language

PM Modi also underscored the deep cultural links between India and Malaysia, particularly their shared affinity for the Tamil language, which has a strong presence in Malaysia’s education, media and cultural landscape. He expressed confidence that an audiovisual agreement covering films and music, including Tamil cinema, would strengthen people-to-people ties. New programmes in university exchanges, start-up collaboration and skill development, he said, would create greater opportunities for the youth.

To further bolster bilateral relations, the Prime Minister announced that India would open a new consulate in Malaysia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised India’s economic progress under PM Modi’s leadership and said both countries would continue to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors. “We’ll continue to deepen collaboration in all fields — trade and investment, semiconductors, digital economy, trade in local currency, connectivity, energy, agriculture, food security, defence and education,” he said, adding that both sides were confident of implementing decisions swiftly.

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The two leaders earlier held delegation-level talks focused on strengthening defence and security cooperation and expanding economic and innovation partnerships. Several agreements, including in the semiconductor sector, were signed during the visit.

India and Malaysia upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.