Kuala Lumpur: India and Malaysia will deepen cooperation in security and defence, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday as he emphasized that the recent attacks globally and the “ceaseless” terror attempts against India and Afghanistan were a reminder of the global nature of terrorism.

Mr. Modi also complimented his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak for providing leadership in combating extremism and radicalisation, rejecting any link between terrorism and religion and in highlighting the “real values of Islam.“

“I am particularly grateful to you for our security cooperation. It underlines our shared commitment to deal with our security challenges. We will continue to deepen our cooperation in this area,” he said in a joint press briefing after his talks with Mr. Najib at Putrajaya, the sprawling administrative capital on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

Talking about security and defence cooperation, Mr. Modi said both countries will make it stronger, including for advancing maritime security and strengthening disaster response in the region.

“I am pleased that we have agreed to upgrade our joint exercises and set up the SU-30 Forum,” he said, adding that both sides will do more in terms of level and complexity of exercises and collaboration in training and defence equipment.

Mr. Modi expressed confidence of taking the bilateral strategic partnership to a new level. India and Malaysia also signed MoUs on cyber security, culture and public administration.

Mr. Modi highlighted the cultural ties of India with Malaysia as he inaugurated a Torana gate, a traditional gateway to Hindu and Buddhist temples, here.