Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today described India as a great and friendly nation, highlighting the close cultural ties and growing geopolitical importance. Speaking at the meeting with the delegation of visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Anwar expressed hope for greater collaboration between the two countries in all fields.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar mentioned that they had privately discussed some issues of concern, emphasizing the importance of considering India as a great and friendly nation. Anwar expressed Malaysia's anticipation for greater cooperation with India following Modi's two-day official visit, adding that the visit held significant personal importance for him.

Modi expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Anwar for the warm welcome extended to him and his delegation, describing the reception and arrangements as memorable and exceptionally well-organized. Modi remarked on the inspiring speed and depth of progress in Malaysia-India relations in recent years and thanked Anwar for his invaluable contribution to strengthening these ties.

Modi highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, clean energy, and semiconductors. He also noted the strengthening collaboration in skills development, capacity building, defence, and security. The Indian prime minister stressed the importance of cooperation with friendly countries in combating terrorism and emphasized that India and Malaysia, as maritime neighbours, must fully harness their relationship amid global instability.

Modi concluded by stating that the key message of his visit was to elevate India's partnership with Malaysia to a new level, aiming for expanded cooperation and shared prosperity across all areas.