PM Modi embarks on two-day Malaysia visit, focus on strategic cooperation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said his visit to Malaysia aims to deepen defence and security cooperation and further strengthen economic and innovation partnerships between the two countries.

The Prime Minister embarked on a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This marks his third visit to the Southeast Asian nation and the first since India and Malaysia elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.

In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said the historic relationship between India and Malaysia has witnessed steady progress in recent years.

“I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and to further enhancing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. We will aim to deepen our defence and security ties, strengthen our economic and innovation partnership, and expand collaboration into new domains,” he said.

The Prime Minister also expressed his eagerness to interact with the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, describing it as a vital link between the two nations.

“Numbering nearly three million, the Indian community in Malaysia represents one of the largest Indian diasporas globally. Their contribution to Malaysia’s development and their role as a living bridge between our two nations provide a strong foundation for our longstanding friendship,” he added.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart and engage with members of the Indian community, as well as representatives from industry and business sectors, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The 10th India–Malaysia CEO Forum will also be held alongside the Prime Minister’s visit.

In a statement, the MEA said India and Malaysia share enduring bonds rooted in historical, civilisational, and cultural ties. It noted that the relationship is further strengthened by the presence of a 2.9 million-strong Indian diaspora in Malaysia, the third largest in the world.

The MEA added that the visit provides an opportunity for both leaders to review the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including trade and investment, defence and security, maritime cooperation, digital and financial technology, energy, healthcare, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, while also charting a course for future engagement.