Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim,
Members of both delegations,
Our friends from the media,
Namaskar!

This is Anwar Ibrahim ji's first visit to India after becoming Prime Minister. I am glad that I have the opportunity to welcome you to India at the beginning of my third term.

Friends,

The Enhanced Strategic Partnership between India and Malaysia is completing a decade. And over the last two years, with the support of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, our partnership has gained a new momentum and energy. Today we discussed all areas of mutual cooperation extensively. We observed that our bilateral trade is making steady progress. Trade between India and Malaysia can now be settled in Indian Rupee (INR) and Malaysian Ringgits (MYR). Last year, an investment worth $5 billion from Malaysia to India has been worked on. Today we have decided to elevate our partnership to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”. We believe that there is still a lot of potential in economic cooperation. The bilateral trade and investment should be expanded. We should enhance our mutual cooperation in areas of new technology, such as semiconductors, Fintech, defense industry, A.I. and quantum. We have emphasized upon stepping up the review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between India and Malaysia. It has been decided to establish a Digital Council and to create a Start-up Alliance for cooperation in digital technology. Work will also be done on connecting India's UPI and Malaysia's Paynet. Today's meeting of the CEO Forum has brought forth new possibilities. We have also discussed new possibilities of mutual cooperation in the defense sector. We are also unanimous in the fight against terrorism and extremism.

Friends,

India and Malaysia have been connected with each other for centuries. Nearly 3 million Indian expatriates living in Malaysia are a living bridge between the two countries. From Indian music, food and festivals to the "Toran Gate” in Malaysia, our people have cherished this friendship. Last year the ‘P.I.O. Day’ celebrated in Malaysia, was a very successful and popular event. When the Sengol was installed in our new Parliament House, the excitement of that historic moment was felt in Malaysia too. Today's agreement on employment of workers will promote recruitment of workers from India as well as protect their interests. We have simplified visa procedures to facilitate the movement of people. The emphasis is being laid on scholarships for students and training of government officials. Now 100 seats will be allocated exclusively for Malaysia under ITEC Scholarships for cutting edge courses like Cyber ​​Security and A.I. An Ayurveda Chair is being set up in "Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman” Malaysia. Apart from this, a decision has also been taken to establish Tiruvalluvar Chair in Universiti Malaya. I thank Prime Minister Anwar and his team wholeheartedly for their cooperation in all these special steps.

Friends,

Malaysia is an important partner of India in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region. India gives priority to ASEAN centrality. We agree that the review of the FTA between India and ASEAN should be completed in a timely manner. India will extend full support to Malaysia's successful ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025. We are committed to freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international laws. And, advocate peaceful resolution of all disputes.

Excellency,

We are grateful for your friendship and your commitment to relations with India. Your visit has given a new direction to our relations for the coming decade. Once again, thank you very much everyone.

DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/SR