Putrajaya: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in trade, semiconductors, defense, and other strategic sectors.
The leaders met in Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya, marking Modi’s first visit to the country since India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in August 2024.
“Had an excellent meeting with PM Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana earlier today. India and Malaysia are maritime neighbors who have always enjoyed a close friendship,” Modi said on X after the talks.
Anwar highlighted the breadth of the agenda, stating that, “It’s really comprehensive, and we believe that we can advance this and execute it in a speedy manner with the commitment of both our governments.”
Trade and Investment
During the visit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of 11 agreements, covering areas such as disaster management, peacekeeping, healthcare, food security, tourism, and defense cooperation.
Both countries also committed to promoting local-currency settlement for cross-border trade, aiming to boost bilateral trade beyond last year’s $18.6 billion.
Malaysia will support India’s efforts to open a consulate in Sabah on Borneo Island, further strengthening diplomatic and economic links.
Had an excellent meeting with PM Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana earlier today. India and Malaysia are maritime neighbours who have always enjoyed a close friendship. We reviewed developmental cooperation in sectors like trade, infrastructure, energy, IT, biotechnology and more. We… pic.twitter.com/4xfwFSxC8x
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2026
Semiconductor and Technology Collaboration
A key highlight of the meeting was the pledge to deepen cooperation in semiconductors, alongside artificial intelligence, digital technologies, health, and food security.
Malaysia, which ranks sixth globally in semiconductor exports and where the sector contributes about 25 percent of GDP, is seen as a crucial partner for India’s ambitions in electronics manufacturing and research.
Indian companies, including Tata Electronics, are exploring collaboration with Malaysian firms in building fabrication and testing plants, leveraging Malaysia’s 30–40 years of experience in the semiconductor sector.
Last year, I was unable to visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit. But, I had promised my friend, PM Anwar Ibrahim that I would come to Malaysia at the earliest opportunity.
And now, my first international visit of 2026 took place in Malaysia. This visit will boost economic and… pic.twitter.com/n1hngCvYtq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2026
Defense and Strategic Cooperation
Defense ties remain strong, with India and Malaysia conducting five joint military exercises over the past five years. The two countries signalled their intent to expand collaboration further, building on existing strategic and security partnerships.
The two-day visit reflects the growing momentum in India-Malaysia relations, emphasizing closer trade, technological, and defense cooperation while highlighting shared priorities across the Indo-Pacific region.
