PM Anwar Elevates India Ties To CSP, Secures RM4.5 Bln Investments

By V. Sankara

NEW DELHI, Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim concluded his three-day official visit to India on Wednesday (Aug 21) with significant milestones in the bilateral relationship, including the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), RM4.5 billion in investment commitments, and several key agreements. 

During the visit, Anwar and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi agreed to elevate their countries’ ties from an Enhanced Strategic Partnership (ESP) to CSP, with the upgraded status reflecting a deeper commitment to collaboration across various sectors. 

Anwar, in his press conference here before departing for Kuala Lumpur, said his visit to India succeeded in garnering some RM8 billion in potential trade.

This is besides commitments totalling RM4.5 billion in investments from sectors and companies in the South Asian nation, creating some 16,640 job opportunities. 

Trade between Malaysia and India reached RM72.31 billion in 2023, reflecting robust economic interaction.

The visit also saw the signing of eight government-to-government memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the Malaysian and Indian governments, along with seven business-to-business agreements.

The MoUs span trade, digital technologies, culture, and tourism, highlighting both countries’ dedication to strengthening their economic and cultural ties.

As Malaysia prepares to assume the chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year, Anwar emphasised the importance of working closely with India and other dialogue partners to advance regional integration and sustainable development.

He anticipated that India, as a key ASEAN dialogue partner, would play a crucial role in fostering economic growth, security cooperation, and cultural exchange.

Anwar also supported increasing Malaysia-India trade exchanges using national currencies to bolster financial ties.

He extended invitations to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Modi to visit Malaysia to further enhance bilateral trade and cooperation.

On Malaysia’s application to join BRICS, Anwar noted that Modi has agreed to support Malaysia’s bid to join the group, reinforcing the growing collaboration between the two nations.

This is the first official visit by a Malaysian Prime Minister to India since 2017, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-India diplomatic relations.

-- BERNAMA