India-Malaysia partnership to get new momentum, no double standards on terrorism, no compromise: Prime Minister Modi

Putrajaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday, on the second day of his visit to Malaysia, that measures such as the Social Security Agreement to protect Indian workers in Malaysia, e-visa for tourism, and the implementation of digital interface UPI in Malaysia would make life easier for citizens of both countries. He said that reform in global institutions is necessary to address today's challenges. India and Malaysia will continue to support all efforts for peace and have a clear message on the issue of terrorism - 'no double standards, no compromise'.

Addressing a joint press conference with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, the administrative and judicial capital of Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi said that the relationship between India and Malaysia is extremely special. Both countries are maritime neighbors and have had deep and heartfelt connections between their people for centuries. Today, Malaysia is the second-largest country in the world with an Indian diaspora population, which reflects the strength of human ties between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi said that he could not visit Malaysia last year for the ASEAN-related program, but he is delighted to be in Malaysia on his first foreign visit of 2026. In the past few years, India-Malaysia relations have gained new momentum, with special cooperation from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said that cooperation between the two countries has strengthened in the fields of energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Mutual investment in the digital economy, biotech, and IT has increased, while tourism and people-to-people connections have also deepened. Inspired by these successes, both countries have decided to give their partnership extraordinary speed and depth.

Regarding cooperation in the security sector, Prime Minister Modi said that India and Malaysia will further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security. Defense cooperation will also be expanded. There is an agreement to take the partnership forward in areas such as AI, digital technology, semiconductors, health, and food security.

The Prime Minister said that the holding of the CEO Forum has opened up new opportunities for trade and investment, and both countries will create a path for economic transformation through strategic trust. Referring to his meeting with Indian diaspora in Malaysia, he said that approximately 3 million Indian diaspora are a 'long bridge' between the two countries. The steps taken for their well-being provide a human basis for India-Malaysia relations.

Prime Minister Modi said that India and Malaysia are also connected by their shared love for the Tamil language. The strong and vibrant presence of Tamil in Malaysia is evident in education, media, and cultural life. Audio-visual cooperation will bring the people of both countries closer, especially through Tamil films and music.

He said that opportunities for university exchange, startup connect, and skill development are being increased for young people. A new Indian consulate will also be opened in Malaysia to support the growing bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister said that the Indo-Pacific region is emerging as the engine of global growth. India, along with ASEAN, is committed to development, peace, and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region and prioritizes ASEAN centrality. He congratulated Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Malaysia's successful ASEAN presidency.

Prime Minister Modi said that both countries have agreed that the ASEAN-India Trade Agreement (AITA) review should be completed soon. Meaningful discussions have taken place on regional and global issues. In the current global environment of instability, the growing friendship between India and Malaysia is extremely important for both countries.