Kamal Ghorui
Malaysia joined India on Sunday in strongly condemning cross-border terrorism, signalling a greater understanding of India’s position on the issue, with PM Modi saying after a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Anwar Ibrahim that message from both sides on terror was clear: no double standards, no compromise. Modi’s visit to Malaysia saw close to a dozen agreements being signed and announcements for cooperation in areas spanning defence and security, semiconductors, social security for Indian workers, UN peacekeeping, disaster management and the fight against corruption. While similar joint statements issued after summit meetings in 2015, 2017 and 2024 had condemned terror in all forms, the latest one specifically mentioned cross-border terror, an expression that helps India flag Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. The statement also reaffirmed commitment to boost bilateral and multilateral cooperation in countering terror, including in UN and FATF, radicalisation and violent extremism.India, Malaysia will chart a path of economic transformation: PM ModiIn the field of security, we will strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security. We will also further expand defence cooperation, said PM Modi, thanking his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim for his strong condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack and the Red Fort blast.The PM underlined the significance of growing friendship between both the countries in the current climate of global uncertainty, saying the leaders backed all peace efforts and agreed that reform of global institutions was essential to address today’s challenges.While there was no official word from either side on whether the extradition sought by India of fugitive Zakir Naik was discussed at the meeting, official sources said India remains in touch with Malaysia to address legal issues related to the request.Modi and Ibrahim also participated in a CEO Forum that, he said, opened new avenues for trade and investment. “Alongside AI and digital technologies, we will advance our partnership in semiconductors, health and food security. Guided by strategic trust, we will chart a pathway towards economic transformation,” the PM said. According to the joint statement, the two expressed satisfaction over the robust defence relationship between Malaysia and India, underscored by “regular exchanges, visits, staff talks, exercises, training courses and defence industry collaboration”. While there was no mention of it in the statement, India is considering sale of Dornier aircraft to Malaysia and also supply of naval platforms by Indian shipyards. “The PMs encouraged growing maritime cooperation between India and Malaysia, including through regular goodwill and operational deployments,” said the joint statement.
