PUTRAJAYA, Feb 8 — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed New Delhi’s steadfast commitment to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, with ASEAN centrality at its core.
“The Indo-Pacific region is emerging as the growth engine of the world. Along with ASEAN, we are committed to development, peace, and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region.
“India gives priority to ASEAN centrality,” he said during a joint media conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today.
In this regard, India would broaden its relations and cooperation with friendly ASEAN nations, such as Malaysia.
“We agree that the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) should be completed soon,” Modi said.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening relations with Malaysia and their shared view that reforms to global institutions are necessary, particularly in the current global landscape.
“We will continue to support all peace efforts, and our message on terrorism is clear: no double standards, no compromise,” Modi said.
The Indian premier added that Malaysia and India share deep connections rooted in cultural heritage and democratic values.
“The relations between India and Malaysia are very special. We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, there have been deep and close ties between our people.
“Today, Malaysia is the second-largest country in the world with a population of Indian origin. Our civilisations are linked by shared cultural heritage and democratic values,” he said.
Earlier, the two Prime Ministers held a bilateral meeting and witnessed the exchange of 11 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and other documents covering various sectors of cooperation between the two countries, including an MOU on audio-visual co-production.
Modi is confident that the agreement on audio-visual co-production will bring the two nations even closer through films and music, particularly Tamil films.
He is on an official visit to Malaysia from yesterday to today at Anwar's invitation, and to reciprocate Anwar’s official visit to India in August 2024.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1957, Malaysia and India have built a partnership based on mutual respect and shared values, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024.
