(PTI)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday departed for a two-day visit to Malaysia, aiming to deepen defence and security cooperation and interact with the Indian diaspora in the country. Announcing his departure on X, PM Modi said, “At the invitation of my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, I will be visiting Malaysia, a nation with which India’s ties are deep-rooted and extensive. This visit will boost our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhance cooperation across sectors.” “Malaysia is home to a vibrant Indian diaspora. Looking forward to today’s community programme in Kuala Lumpur, where I will get an opportunity to interact with our diaspora,” he added. In a statement quoted by PTI, PM Modi said, “The historic ties between India and Malaysia have seen steadfast progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and further enhancing our comprehensive strategic partnership.” He further stated, “We will aim to deepen our defence and security ties, enhance our economic and innovation partnership, and expand our collaboration into new domains.” This visit marks PM Modi’s third trip to Malaysia and the first since bilateral relations were elevated to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in August 2024. The relationship had previously been upgraded to an “Enhanced Strategic Partnership” during PM Modi’s visit in 2015. Diplomatic ties between the two countries were first established in 1957. During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. India is also exploring opportunities for defence collaboration, including the sale of Dornier aircraft and maintenance of Scorpene submarines and SU-30 aircraft, according to the ministry of external affairs. The prime mnister will engage with members of the Indian diaspora and business representatives in Malaysia, which is home to a 2.9 million-strong Indian community, the third-largest in the world and the second-largest PIO community, numbering 2.75 million. Malaysia is a key partner for India in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region and a central pillar of India’s Act East Policy. The Torana Gate in Kuala Lumpur, inaugurated by PM Modi and then Malaysian PM Najib Razak in 2015, symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations. PM Modi had previously met Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6, 2025, participated virtually in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, and spoke with him over a phone call on October 22.
