Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Indian counterpart Narendra Modi with a symbolic luncheon featuring traditional dishes from both nations, highlighting deep bilateral relations
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hosted a symbolic luncheon for visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. The meal, featuring “Friendship Appetisers”, was designed to celebrate the strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.
The menu highlighted traditional Gujarati favourites such as Dhokla and Khandvi. These were served alongside Malaysian appetisers like Rojak Pasembur and Tauhu Sumbat.
Modi, who was born in Gujarat, arrived in Malaysia yesterday for a two-day official visit. He was accorded an official welcome at the Perdana Putra Complex earlier today.
The two leaders then held bilateral talks at Seri Perdana. They also witnessed the exchange of three Memoranda of Understanding.
The agreements cover cooperation in combating and preventing corruption, standards for seafarers, and disaster management. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar accompanied the visiting prime minister.
Several Malaysian ministers were present at the luncheon. They included Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.
India and Malaysia share longstanding historical and cultural ties. These are underpinned by a strong Indian diaspora community of about 2.9 million people in Malaysia.
Economic ties continue to show strong momentum. Total bilateral trade reached RM79.49 billion in 2025.
Malaysia’s exports to India amounted to RM52.3 billion. Key export items comprised palm oil and electrical and electronic products.
Imports from India totalled RM27.19 billion. These mainly consisted of agricultural, petroleum and chemical products.
