Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his Malaysia visit with a warm welcome from Anwar Ibrahim, signalling closer defence, economic and people-to-people ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described himself as “deeply touched” by the warm welcome extended by his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim as he began a two-day visit aimed at deepening India–Malaysia ties.
Underscoring the closeness between the two leaders, Modi and Anwar travelled together from Kuala Lumpur airport to a community programme in the same car, a gesture highlighted by the Indian Prime Minister as a symbol of the strong people-to-people connect between the two countries.
“Celebrating the India–Malaysia people-to-people connect! PM Anwar Ibrahim and I are heading to the community programme in Kuala Lumpur,” Modi posted on X, sharing a photograph of the two leaders en route.
Modi had earlier been received at the airport by Anwar Ibrahim, marking the start of a visit focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The relationship was elevated to that status in August 2024, making this Modi’s first visit to Malaysia since the upgrade.
“Landed in Kuala Lumpur. Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the airport,” Modi said. “I look forward to our conversations and to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia.”
The reception at the airport reflected the broader warmth of ties, with excited children waving the Indian tricolour and the Malaysian flag as Modi arrived.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister said the visit would focus on expanding cooperation in defence, security, economic growth and innovation. He described India and Malaysia’s ties as deeply rooted in shared history and civilisation, noting steady progress in recent years.
In his departure statement, Modi said he was looking forward to discussions with Anwar Ibrahim on taking the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership forward. He said both sides would work to deepen defence and security cooperation, strengthen economic and innovation linkages, and explore collaboration in new areas.
This is Modi’s third visit to Malaysia, reflecting the growing importance of the Southeast Asian nation in India’s Act East policy and its broader engagement with the ASEAN region.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the role of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, describing it as a “living bridge” between the two nations. With a population of nearly three million, the Indian community in Malaysia is among the largest Indian diasporas globally.
“Their immense contribution to Malaysia’s progress and their role as a living bridge between our two nations provide a strong foundation to our historic friendship,” Modi said.
During the visit, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Anwar Ibrahim and interact with members of the Indian community, as well as business and industry leaders. The Ministry of External Affairs said discussions would focus on trade, investment, technology and strategic cooperation.
The 10th India–Malaysia CEO Forum is also set to take place alongside the Prime Minister’s visit, highlighting the growing economic dimension of the bilateral relationship.
