Kuala Lumpur, Feb 7 (.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday signalled closer ties between India and Malaysia, praising Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership as he addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur.
Modi described his Malaysian counterpart Anwar as a long-time friend and lauded his focus on reform and regional leadership, particularly Malaysia’s upcoming chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and I have been friends even before he became Prime Minister,” Modi said. “I admire his focus on reforms, his intellect and his able chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.”
Modi said his visit fulfilled a promise made last year after he was unable to attend the ASEAN summit in Malaysia.
“Last year, I could not visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit, but I promised my friend that I would come soon. As promised, I am here,” he said, adding that the trip marked his first foreign visit of 2026.
He also greeted the Indian community on the occasion of recent festivals. “I am delighted to be with you during this festive time. I hope everyone celebrated Sankranti, Pongal and Thaipusam with great joy,” Modi said.
Earlier, Modi highlighted what he called gestures of goodwill by Anwar, noting that the Malaysian leader personally welcomed him at the airport and accompanied him to the diaspora event.
In a special diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Modi was personally received on arrival in Kuala Lumpur by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, accompanied by Malaysia’s Minister of Human Resources, Ramanan Ramakrishnan, and Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni. The warm welcome was followed by a colourful cultural programme that showcased the shared civilisational and cultural links between the two nations.
“This special gesture reflects his love and respect for India and for all of you,” Modi said. Modi thanked Anwar for attending the community gathering and for his remarks on the future of bilateral relations. “The warmth of your greeting reflects the beautiful diversity of our shared culture,” he said.
During the event, Modi also praised a cultural performance involving around 800 dancers. “This performance will be remembered by our people for years to come,” he said.
India and Malaysia have been seeking to strengthen cooperation in areas including trade, investment and regional affairs, with both leaders emphasising the role of the Indian diaspora in supporting broader bilateral ties.
PM Modi began a two-day official visit to Malaysia, underscoring New Delhi’s push to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia and give fresh momentum to the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2024.
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
This marks the Indian Prime Minister’s third visit to the country since 2015, reflecting the growing strategic and economic importance Malaysia holds in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. “The visit reflects the high priority both leaders attach to the partnership and their shared vision for a stable, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” an official statement said.
During the visit, the two prime ministers are expected to hold detailed discussions on strengthening cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, digital technologies, renewable energy, and people-to-people exchanges. Regional and global issues of mutual interest are also likely to feature prominently in the talks.
India and Malaysia elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, building on decades of close political, economic and cultural engagement. Malaysia is a key partner for India in ASEAN, and the relationship is seen as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific strategy and Vision MAHASAGAR, which emphasises growth, security and shared prosperity in the maritime domain.
“The Prime Minister’s visit demonstrates India’s strong commitment to further strengthening ties with Malaysia and reinforcing cooperation with ASEAN as a whole,” officials noted, adding that the engagement would “open new avenues for collaboration and bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.”
With a large Indian diaspora in Malaysia and expanding bilateral trade and investment links, the visit is expected to provide fresh impetus to an already robust partnership and set the direction for closer collaboration in the years ahead.. .
