Modi’s Malaysia Visit Boosts Ties from Security to Semiconductors

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Malaysia marked a significant step forward in strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with cooperation spanning security, technology, culture and people-to-people ties.

Addressing delegation-level talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi said India is committed to elevating its partnership with Malaysia through deeper and wider engagement across sectors. Thanking the Malaysian leadership for the warm reception, he described the visit as a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two nations and said Malaysia’s hospitality and cultural richness would remain etched in his memory.

Noting that this was his third visit to Malaysia and fourth meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi said the frequency of high-level interactions underscored the pace and dynamism of bilateral ties. He highlighted growing cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, clean energy, semiconductors, skill development and capacity building, while noting that defence and security collaboration continues to strengthen.

India and Malaysia finalised a wide range of agreements and initiatives during the visit. Among the key documents exchanged were an Audio-Visual Co-production Agreement, an MoU on Disaster Management Cooperation, an MoU on Combating and Preventing Corruption, and renewed cooperation on United Nations Peacekeeping. An Exchange of Notes on Cooperation in Semiconductors underlined mutual interest in building resilient supply chains in this strategic sector.

Other agreements included cooperation in health and medicine, vocational education and training, and security collaboration between the two national security councils. A Framework Agreement on the International Big Cats Alliance reflected shared commitments to biodiversity and sustainable development. Social security cooperation was enhanced through an agreement benefiting Indian citizens working in Malaysia.

The visit also featured forward-looking announcements aimed at boosting connectivity and cultural exchange. India will open a new Consulate General in Malaysia, while a Thiruvalluvar Centre and scholarships for Malaysian nationals will be established at Universiti Malaya. Digital payments cooperation was strengthened through an agreement between NPCI International Limited and PayNet Malaysia.

PM Modi also congratulated Malaysia on its successful ASEAN chairmanship and emphasised the role of the Indian diaspora, nearly three million strong, as a living bridge between the two countries. He said India and Malaysia, as maritime neighbours, must fully harness the potential of their partnership in an increasingly uncertain global environment.