PM Modi leaves for India after concluding two-day visit to Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday left for home after concluding a two-day visit to Malaysia during which he held wide-ranging talks with his counterpart Anwar Ibrahim, focusing on boosting defence and security ties.
"A memorable visit concludes! After a successful visit to Malaysia, marked by special warmth and hospitality and anchored in our close cultural bonds, PM
@narendramodi has departed for India. The visit produced significant outcomes that will add substantial strength to India–Malaysia ties," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on social media.
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Several important bilateral documents, including on security cooperation, UN peacekeeping, semiconductors, health and medicine, disaster management, combating corruption, audio-visual co-production, vocational education and social security for Indian workers, were exchanged during the visit.
Following his meeting with the Malaysian PM Ibrahim, Modi said India and Malaysia share a "special relationship", and both sides are committed to expanding their ties in diverse sectors.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of security, defence, AI, digital technologies and semiconductors.
Earlier in the day, Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya.
The Prime Minister also met Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) veteran Jeyaraj Raja Rao in Kuala Lumpur and conveyed the gratitude of all Indians for INA’s extraordinary courage, legacy, and sacrifice.
He also met with Malaysia’s Indian-origin Ministers, Members of Parliament and Senators in Kuala Lumpur and appreciated their active role in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
On Saturday, Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at an event where he hailed the community for serving as a living bridge between India and Malaysia. He also announced a new consulate in the archipelago nation and the Thiruvalluvar Scholarship to enable students to study in India.
Modi said India is seen as a “trusted partner for growth” and it was reflected in the recent trade deals it has agreed with various countries, including the UK, USA and the EU.
Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to a grand red-carpet reception, with Ibrahim receiving him at the airport, signalling a new momentum in the bilateral relations.
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Israel, US goals 'identical'; prepared for any scenario: Netanyahu
Jerusalem (PTI): Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel and the US share "identical goals" in the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The Israeli prime minister on Wednesday said the US has been keeping Israel updated on its contacts with Iran and reiterated that both nations seek the removal of enriched material, an end to Iran’s enrichment capabilities, and the reopening of key maritime routes.
"Our goals and those of the United States are identical: We want to see the enriched material removed from Iran, we want to see the cancellation of enrichment capabilities within Iran, and of course, we want to see the opening of the straits," Netanyahu said in a statement.
"It is too early to say how this matter will end, or even how it will progress. In anticipation of the possibility that fighting may resume, we are prepared for any scenario," he said, referring to the fragile two-week ceasefire between Iran and US-Israel set to end on April 22.
As Israeli forces and the Shi'ite Lebanese group Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire, Netanyahu said the military continues to strike militant targets while standing by residents in northern Israel.
"I stand by the residents of the north who are continuing to stand firm. At the same time, our forces are continuing to strike Hezbollah," he said.
Referring to ongoing operations in Bint Jbeil, a key Hezbollah stronghold in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu said Israeli forces were close to overcoming the area, which has long been considered a symbol of the group’s resistance since the 2006 war.
Bint Jbeil was the capital of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu said he has instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to widen the security zone in southern Lebanon and extend it eastward toward the slopes of Mount Hermon to "better assist our Druze brothers in their time of distress".
Netanyahu also confirmed that unprecedented negotiations were underway with Lebanon, facilitated by the United States, marking a significant development as the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations.
"In the negotiations with Lebanon, there are two central goals: first, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and second, (achieving) a sustainable peace," he said.
Meanwhile, the IDF outlined key conditions for any agreement, including establishing a buffer zone up to the Litani River free of Hezbollah presence, retaining operational freedom, and initiating a long-term disarmament process under US supervision.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the Israeli army has continued with its operations and has not been instructed to prepare for a ceasefire.
IDF Spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin said forces are actively engaged across southern Lebanon, with five divisions supported by air power.
“We continue to operate at all times, deepening achievements and striking Hezbollah terrorists,” he said.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir stressed that the military remains on high alert and continues to approve operational plans in both Lebanon and Iran.
