Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi reaffirm their commitment to advancing a comprehensive strategic partnership across trade, tech and tourism.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and India have pledged to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevating cooperation across key economic and security sectors.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement following a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Seri Perdana Complex.
Anwar described India as a key partner, with collaboration growing in trade, investment, education, technology and tourism.
“We consider this meeting and these exchanges as very vital, strategic and critical to advance and enhance relations between India and Malaysia,” Anwar said at a joint press conference.
He noted the long-standing relationship since 1957 was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.
“The deep historical ties, strong people-to-people linkages and ever-expanding economic cooperation will continue to strengthen collaboration in all fields,” he added.
This includes trade and investment, semiconductors, the digital economy, local currency trade, connectivity and energy.
The leaders witnessed the exchange of 11 bilateral documents, including memoranda of understanding.
Anwar said the partnership is comprehensive and both countries are committed to implementing agreements quickly.
“We believe that we can advance this and execute speedily through the commitment of both our governments,” he stated.
The MoUs extend beyond normal arrangements to include peacekeeping cooperation on semiconductor, healthcare and security.
On education, Anwar highlighted significant growth in student exchanges between the two nations.
He also described tourism and connectivity as pivotal areas for future cooperation.
“We have seen a significant increase in travel and connectivity during the past year,” Anwar said.
He expressed hope to benefit from increased air connectivity between Malaysia, Asia and India.
India is Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the South Asian region.
Total trade reached RM79.49 billion in 2025, with Malaysian exports amounting to RM52.3 billion.
Key exports comprised palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, as well as electrical and electronic goods.
Imports from India mainly consisted of agricultural, petroleum and chemical products.
Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia.
