NEW DELHI: Malaysia and India have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations from an enhanced strategic partnership (ESP) to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP), said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister, who is on a three-day official visit to India which began on Monday, emphasised the ease of discussions between the two countries, stating that the joint decision to enhance relations to a CSP marks an important step forward.
He acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Malaysia and India, tracing back to the times of Jawaharlal Nehru and Tunku Abdul Rahman.
"This (the relationship) must be strengthened across various fields," he said, citing sectors such as digital investments, trade, construction, agriculture, education, research and military cooperation, including joint border security operations.
Anwar said this in a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the latter's official residence, Hyderabad House.
The prime minister thanked Modi and the Indian government for the warm welcome accorded him and stressed that Malaysia regarded India as a "good and true friend".
"He (Modi) has given his assurances that India is committed to Malaysia in reinvigorating this working relationship across all areas. Our discussions, both in bilateral meetings and private conversations, have been open and candid, covering all issues, including sensitive ones, reflecting the true meaning of friendship.
"We have reached an understanding on several issues," said Anwar, adding that there were many areas where cooperation can be further explored.
He expressed regret that there had been no progress in recent years but emphasised the potential for greater cooperation.
The prime minister also touched on new initiatives and programmes that will encourage further collaboration between Indian and Malaysian companies, particularly in challenging areas such as energy transition, digitalisation, and food security.
He specifically touched on the importance of cooperation in the semiconductor industry, where Malaysia is recognised as a hub in Southeast Asia, and acknowledged India's achievements in this field.