Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim met prime minister Modi on the sidelines of BRICS summit last year
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Malaysia on February 7 and 8 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) has said.The prime minister had last visited Malaysia in 2015, when both countries elevated their relationship to an enhanced strategic partnership. More recently, ties were upgraded further during Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024, when both sides agreed to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.The MEA said the upcoming visit reflects India’s continued focus on strengthening ties with Malaysia and expanding cooperation across sectors. “Our countries are working towards further enhancing our bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner” the MEA said.PM Modi is also expected to meet Malaysian leaders and address the Indian community in the country.
What to expect from the visit
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- India and Malaysia are discussing a joint review of the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
- The leaders will review cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, defence, security, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, education and healthcare.
- The visit will also provide an opportunity to strengthen India’s engagement with the ASEAN region.
- The 10th meeting of the India–Malaysia CEO’s Forum will be held in Kuala Lumpur during the visit.
- Prime Minister Modi will interact with leading Malaysian CEOs from key sectors to boost business and investment ties.
- He will also address the Indian community in Malaysia, which numbers around 2.9 million people.
India–Malaysia relations: A snapshot
- Malaysia hosts around 2.9 million Persons of Indian Origin and has one of the largest Indian diaspora populations in the world.
- Bilateral trade between the two countries has remained significant, with strong economic engagement over the years.
- Relations faced tensions in 2019–2020 after differences over political issues and trade measures, including restrictions on palm oil imports.
- Ties improved in recent years, and both countries signed nine agreements during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024.
- The upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marked a major step in expanding cooperation in economic, strategic and people-to-people areas.
