India and Malaysia Upgrade Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

In a significant diplomatic development, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Anwar Ibrahim, called on the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, marking his first official visit to India as the Prime Minister. The meeting underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, with a shared commitment to democracy, multiculturalism, pluralism, and mutual respect serving as the cornerstone of India-Malaysia relations.

President Murmu warmly welcomed Prime Minister Ibrahim and expressed her pleasure at the decision to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This upgraded partnership signifies a new chapter in the India-Malaysia relationship, paving the way for enhanced cooperation across various sectors. Both sides are now working on an action-oriented roadmap to ensure the effective implementation of this partnership, which is expected to yield significant benefits for both nations.

Highlighting Malaysia’s strategic importance, President Murmu emphasized that India views Malaysia as a vital partner in the Global South and a key player within the ASEAN framework. Malaysia’s role is also crucial in India’s Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. The President further extended her best wishes to Malaysia as it prepares to assume the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, affirming India’s commitment to collaborate closely with Malaysia to achieve shared goals of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Additionally, President Murmu conveyed her heartfelt felicitations to the King of Malaysia, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, through Prime Minister Ibrahim, on his recent coronation, reinforcing the warm and friendly ties between the two nations.

This visit marks a significant milestone in India-Malaysia relations, setting the stage for a more dynamic and comprehensive partnership in the years to come.