PM Modi meets Malaysian counterpart, discuss defence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak here.

The two leaders dwelled upon defence and security, trade and investment, counter-terrorism and people to people links in their bilateral meet.

External Affairs Ministry (EAM) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar labeled Malaysia as "an important strategic partner."

"An important strategic partner! PM @narendramodi met with Malaysian Prime Minister @NajibRazak. Two leaders had an engaging discussion on defence and security, trade and investment, counter-terrorism and people to people links. #ASEANIndia," Kumar wrote on Twitter.

Earlier in the day, in an unprecedented move, the leaders of 10 ASEAN countries - Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar (Burma), Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei graced the Republic Day parade as chief guests in the national capital.

India hosted a two-day India-ASEAN Commemorative Summit, which is expected to give a boost to the cooperation in key areas of counter-terrorism, security, and connectivity.

The summit marks 25 years of Indo-ASEAN ties.

--ANI