Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur on February 7 and 8, 2026, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that this visit aims to enhance India's engagement with the ASEAN region and deepen bilateral cooperation with Malaysia.

This will be Modi's third visit to Malaysia, but the first since the elevation of India-Malaysia bilateral relations to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' in August 2024. The MEA noted that the visit occurs within 18 months of this elevation, demonstrating India's strong commitment to its relationship with Malaysia.

During the visit, Modi will engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to review the progress of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions will focus on key areas such as trade, investment, defense and security, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges. Both leaders are expected to assess cooperation across sectors of mutual interest.

A significant focus of the visit will be on bolstering economic ties, particularly in trade and semiconductors. Malaysia is India's third-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade of approximately $20 billion. Trade has expanded beyond commodities like palm oil to include various goods and services. The 10th India-Malaysia CEO Forum is scheduled to coincide with the Prime Minister's visit. Modi will also interact with prominent Malaysian chief executives from key sectors. It is expected that India's National Payments Corporation (NPCI) will sign an agreement on digital payments during the visit.

The MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated that the visit will provide an opportunity to enhance engagement with the ASEAN region, recognizing Malaysia's role as a founding member and its chairmanship of ASEAN. Modi virtually participated in the 22nd ASEAN–India Summit in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025, and conveyed his intention to visit Malaysia in early 2026 to Prime Minister Anwar.

In addition to bilateral talks and business engagements, Modi is scheduled to interact with members of the Indian community in Malaysia. The Indian diaspora in Malaysia numbers approximately 2.9 million, constituting the third-largest in the world.

Officials have indicated that the issue of controversial preacher Zakir Naik may be discussed during the visit, and India will continue to pursue the matter. Last October, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Haji Hasan on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur to discuss ongoing bilateral cooperation and the situation in Myanmar.