20/08/2024
Anwar, who arrived in India on Monday for his maiden visit to the country since assuming the post, was greeted by his counterpart, Narendra Modi. - Astro AWANI
NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim who is on a three-day official visit to India was given an official welcome at the official residence of the President of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Anwar, who arrived in India on Monday for his maiden visit to the country since assuming the post, was greeted by his counterpart, Narendra Modi.
The national anthems of both countries were played before the two leaders introduced their ministers to each other.
The two leaders then held a bilateral meeting to discuss matters related to relations between Malaysia and India, as well as exchange views on regional and international issues involving mutual interests.
Anwar and Modi will also witness the exchange of several memorandums of understanding (MoU) and agreements in various areas of cooperation including the digital economy, tourism, human resources, higher education, science and technology, as well as traditional medicine.
Also present at the ceremony were Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz; Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo; and Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim.
In 2023, total trade between Malaysia and India will reach RM76.62 billion (US$16.53 billion), with Malaysia enjoying a surplus of RM15.89 billion (US$3.43 billion).
India is Malaysia's largest importer of palm oil and palm oil-based products with total imports of RM11.31 billion (US$2.44 billion).
Malaysia's main imports from India include petroleum products (RM6.62 billion or US$1.44 billion) and agricultural products, including halal meat (RM5.79 billion or US$1.27 billion).
In 2023, Malaysia will be India's third largest trading partner among ASEAN member countries.
Malaysia and India have close historical and socio-cultural ties.
As the two countries enter the second decade of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership next year, Anwar's visit is expected to pave the way to further strengthen Malaysia-India bilateral relations by drawing up a multi-sector cooperation agenda for the future.
