Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a two-day official visit to Malaysia on February 8, 2026, where he engaged in extensive discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence, economy, and ASEAN. This visit, made at the invitation of Prime Minister Ibrahim, underscores India's proactive engagement with Southeast Asia and its commitment to deepening strategic and economic ties with key ASEAN partners.

The talks between the two leaders covered a comprehensive range of bilateral relations, including political engagement, defence and security cooperation, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, digital economy, science and technology, energy, agriculture, health, education, culture, tourism, youth exchanges, and people-to-people contacts. They also addressed regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Key Highlights of the Visit:

• Defence and Security Cooperation: A major focus of the visit was on deepening defence and security ties between India and Malaysia. Both countries recognize the importance of enhanced collaboration in maritime security and are exploring opportunities for India to sell Dornier aircraft to Malaysia.
• Economic Partnership: Discussions centered on enhancing economic and innovation partnerships, with a particular emphasis on trade, investment, and cooperation in semiconductors and digital technologies. Both sides are keen to expand commerce and private sector participation, with bilateral trade estimated at nearly USD 19 to 20 billion. A key area of focus is exploring a semiconductor and high-tech collaboration, along with partnerships in manufacturing and supply chains, considered critical for future growth and innovation.
• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: This visit marks an important step in advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between India and Malaysia in 2024. This elevation of ties reflects the growing strategic trust and commitment to strengthening cooperation across various sectors.
• ASEAN Engagement: The visit provided an opportunity to enhance India's engagement with the ASEAN region, recognizing Malaysia's important role as a founding member and its upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025.
• India-Malaysia CEOs Forum: Prime Minister Modi participated in the India-Malaysia CEOs Forum to strengthen business linkages and investment flows between the two economies.
• Statements: In his departure statement, Modi expressed his aim to deepen defence and security ties, enhance economic and innovation partnerships and expand collaboration into new domains. He acknowledged the steadfast progress in the historic ties between India and Malaysia.

Other Important Points:

• This was Prime Minister Modi's third visit to Malaysia.
• Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be exchanged to further solidify cooperation in various sectors.
• The visit reflects India's strong commitment to its relations with Malaysia, a key partner in India's Act East Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and the Indo-Pacific vision.

The discussions were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, demonstrating the mutual respect and strong relationship between the two countries. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also hosted an official luncheon in honor of Prime Minister Modi. The visit is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration and enhanced strategic partnership between India and Malaysia in the years to come.