Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 8 concluded a two-day official visit to Malaysia, undertaken at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The trip underscored the growing depth of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) and reflected convergence across political, economic and cultural domains.

Ceremonial Reception in Putrajaya

PM Modi was accorded a formal ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour, at the Perdana Putra complex in Putrajaya. The honour followed his arrival in Kuala Lumpur a day earlier, where Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally received him at the airport.

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Key Outcomes from India’s Malaysia Visit

1. Indian Consulate General in Malaysia: India will set up a consulate to provide better access to consular and passport services, support the diaspora, and strengthen commercial and cultural engagement.

2. Cross-Border Payments Partnership: NIPL (NPCI International Payments) and Malaysia’s PAYNET SDN BHD agreed to enable UPI-based payments for tourists and diaspora, reduce cash reliance, and support Indian fintechs.

3. Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement: Both governments will collaborate on film production, pool resources, and promote cultural exchange between India and Malaysia.

4. Disaster Management Cooperation: India and Malaysia will exchange best practices and collaborate on recovery, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts during disasters.

5. Anti-Corruption Collaboration: The CBI and Malaysia’s MACC will share knowledge and strategies to prevent corruption, enhance transparency, and promote accountable governance.

6. Peacekeeping and Security Cooperation: Agreements were signed on UN peacekeeping, security cooperation in emerging threats, and strengthening bilateral defense collaboration.

7. Semiconductors and Technology Development: The two countries agreed to cooperate in semiconductor manufacturing, boosting India’s capabilities, competitiveness, and job creation in the sector.

8. Education, Skills, and Research Initiatives: MoUs cover vocational training (TVET), Ayurveda research, Thiruvalluvar Centre and scholarships, and academic exchanges to improve skills, cultural studies, and knowledge sharing.

9. Social Security and Health Cooperation: Agreements include ESIC-PERKESO collaboration to support Indian workers in Malaysia, and cooperation in healthcare capacity building, medical research, and service delivery.

10. Environmental and Economic Partnerships: India and Malaysia will work together on wildlife conservation through the International Big Cats Alliance, and enhance trade, investment, and technology collaboration via the Malaysia-India CEO Forum.

India, ASEAN Strengthen Ties for Indo-Pacific Growth

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the Indo-Pacific region is becoming the world’s growth engine and reaffirmed India’s commitment to development, peace, and stability in partnership with ASEAN. He highlighted plans to boost cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, maritime security, and defence.

Modi also noted collaboration in AI, digital technologies, semiconductors, health, and food security. His visit to Malaysia, at the invitation of PM Ibrahim, marked a further step in the countries’ relationship, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.

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Concluding the visit, PM Modi thanked the Malaysian leadership for their hospitality and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to visit India, paving the way for sustained engagement and closer bilateral cooperation in the years ahead.


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