Modi in Malaysia day 1: Deals, diplomacy, and a firm stand on terror

On Sunday, during the first full day of his official visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, reinforcing the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The leaders held a bilateral meeting followed by delegation-level discussions, focusing on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, investment, defence , security, labour, tourism, connectivity, agriculture, education, and regional issues of mutual concern. Several memoranda of understanding were exchanged, reflecting both countries’ commitment to deepen cooperation across key sectors.

During the talks, the leaders reaffirmed their determination to boost trade and expand collaboration in emerging industries such as semiconductors and digital technologies , while also strengthening ties in healthcare, disaster management, peacekeeping, and national security. Following their discussions, India and Malaysia witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements, including pacts aimed at enhancing semiconductor ties, disaster response, and peacekeeping efforts.

In a joint press statement with PM Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi reiterated India’s firm stance on terrorism , saying that India’s approach remains unwavering: “no double standards, no compromise.” He also underlined the intent to enhance security cooperation, including counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security . Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and stressed unified efforts for peace and stability.

Modi’s engagements extended beyond formal talks to high-level economic outreach. He met with Malaysian business leaders and CEOs, highlighting India’s ease-of-doing-business reforms and inviting deeper investment in sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital technology , and healthcare. Malaysian industry representatives conveyed strong confidence in India’s growth story and expressed keen interest in expanding trade and joint ventures with Indian partners.

In other engagements, Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, acknowledging their enduring role in strengthening people-to-people ties and cultural connections. He also spoke about the shared civilisational heritage that shapes India-Malaysia relations.

Looking ahead, the second day of the visit is expected to focus on further delegation-level discussions , signing of additional agreements, business engagements, and public statements aimed at reinforcing cooperation in trade, defence, semiconductor value chains, digital connectivity, and ASEAN collaboration. These engagements are part of a broader agenda to translate the strategic dialogue into sustained economic and security partnerships.