Malaysia, India Strengthen Strategic Ties

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and India agreed on February 8 to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, food security, and digital technology during talks between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting, part of Modi’s two-day visit to Malaysia – his first foreign trip of 2026 – underscored both nations’ commitment to expanding strategic and economic ties amid global uncertainty.

Strategic Ties

Anwar described the discussions as “not routine diplomacy” but a dialogue rooted in trust and friendship, noting hopes to grow beyond the US$18.59 billion in bilateral trade recorded in 2025.

Malaysia also pledged support for India’s plan to open a consulate in Sabah. Both leaders addressed regional and global issues, including Ukraine and Gaza, while affirming shared support for peace efforts and reforms of international institutions.

The visit produced over 10 memorandums of understanding covering semiconductors, vocational training, digital cooperation, anti-corruption, and security collaboration.

Business News