KUALA LUMPUR – Bilateral relations between Malaysia and India have reached a historic high, propelled by intensified economic collaboration and the strong personal rapport between the two leaders.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the visit of his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. He emphasised that the bond between both nations has significantly strengthened in recent years, Bernama reported.
“Personally, I am very excited and appreciative of this visit,” Anwar said. “India and Malaysia’s ties have grown significantly stronger, and I am fortunate to share a close personal relationship with Prime Minister Modi. This has allowed us to turn diplomatic aspirations into concrete results.”
Anwar noted that the relationship is not just theoretical but has produced tangible outcomes. “Bilateral trade reached nearly US$19 billion in 2025, with India now ranking among Malaysia’s top trading partners.”
His remarks were delivered at an event hosted by Malaysia’s Indian community at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), with Modi in attendance. Also present were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and other senior officials from both governments.
The Prime Minister further highlighted that Modi is one of the first major world leaders to visit Malaysia in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), underlining the importance of the visit in deepening diplomatic ties.
Anwar also reflected on the role of the Malaysian Indian community in the nation’s development, describing them as “an integral partner.” He credited the Indian community, alongside their Malay and Chinese counterparts, with helping to lay the foundation for a prosperous Malaysian economy.
“True nation-building happens in the classrooms, in workplaces, and in our shared life,” Anwar said, pointing to cultural landmarks like the ‘Little India’ districts and shared celebrations such as Deepavali as key examples of unity.
Modi’s two-day official visit to Malaysia, which began on Saturday, is a reciprocation of Anwar’s visit to India in August 2024.
India remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the South Asian region, with total trade reaching RM79.49 billion (US$18.59 billion) in 2025. – February 7, 2026