India, Malaysia reaffirm strategic cooperation, anti-terrorism efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India and Malaysia have agreed to further strengthen bilateral strategic cooperation while continuing with joint anti-terrorism efforts.

"We live in times and in a region, where both conventional and non-conventional security threats are constantly on the rise," Modi said while jointly addressing the media with Malaysian Prime Najib Razak following delegation-level talks between the two sides.

"Prime Minister Najib and I agreed that these challenges threaten the stability and economic prosperity of our countries and the region," he said.

"And, require us and other countries of the region to work together. In this context, I deeply appreciate our continuing cooperation with the Malaysian government in our joint anti-terrorism efforts."

Modi praised Razak for his leadership in countering radicalisation and terrorism and said it "is an inspiration for the entire region".

Stating that the wide-ranging defence partnership has brought the armed forces of the two countries closer, he said: "We are cooperating in training and capacity building; maintenance of equipment and military hardware; maritime security; and in disaster response."

Modi also said that he and Razak were conscious of their "role and responsibility in promoting economic prosperity, freedom of navigation, and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, especially its oceans".

"To secure our societies, and for the greater regional good, we have agreed to further strengthen our strategic partnership to shape an effective response to our common concerns and challenges," he said.

On the economic side, Modi said both countries "have built a thriving economic partnership".

"In our efforts to scale this up, as the fastest growing large economy in the world, India offers unparalleled opportunities," he stated.

"And, to build new avenues of prosperity in our societies we are ready to expand trade and capital flows between our two economies."

Stating that infrastructure has been an area of fruitful partnerships between the two sides, he said that much more could be done as India's infrastructure needs and plans of developing smart cities matched well with Malaysian capacities.