India, Malaysia Vow to Engage in Semiconductors, Digital Economy

New Delhi: India and Malaysia today, February 8, vowed to expand ties in the sectors of trade, investment, digital economy, defence, energy, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors.

The joint statement released after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur also called for "zero tolerance of terrorism and for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner."

The two countries reaffirmed the resolve to consolidate and expand the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two sides inked a total of 11 agreements and documents to expand cooperation in a range of high-priority areas.

They agreed to enhance trade facilitation and explore expanded potential in diverse areas, including semiconductors, digital economy, and industrial collaboration.

The leaders emphasised the importance of the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (MICECA) and the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). Both leaders welcomed the ongoing review of AITIGA to make it mutually beneficial, trade facilitative and relevant to current global trading practices, the statement said.

PM Modi asserted that both sides are committed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on February 7 with Malaysian counterpart Ibrahim receiving him at the airport. He will leave today.

The joint statement held that the two leaders reaffirmed that the deep historical links, millenia old contacts, shared cultural heritage and democratic values, between the two countries and the presence of a vibrant Indian community in Malaysia constitute a unique, strong and enduring foundation for the bilateral relationship, and continue to enrich its multi-dimensional character.

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