PM Modi in Malaysia for two day visit, defence and trade talks on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday for a two day official visit from February 7 to 8, 2026 , aimed at deepening India’s strategic, defence and economic engagement with Malaysia. Invited by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim , the visit comes at a time when New Delhi is strengthening its outreach to Southeast Asia under the Act East policy and seeking stronger partnerships across the Indo Pacific.

In his departure statement, Modi said the historic relationship between the two countries has seen steady and meaningful progress in recent years, and stressed that India will work to deepen defence and security ties, enhance economic and innovation partnerships, and expand collaboration into new domains. This is his third visit to Malaysia and the first since both nations elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024 , reflecting growing strategic trust between the two sides.

During the visit, Modi is scheduled to hold delegation level talks with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim , review the full spectrum of bilateral relations, and discuss cooperation in defence and maritime security, trade and investment, semiconductors, digital technology, healthcare, education and labour mobility. Several memorandums of understanding are expected to be exchanged , while the Prime Minister will also participate in the India-Malaysia CEOs Forum to strengthen business linkages and investment flows between the two economies.

Economic and technology cooperation forms a key pillar of the talks. Both countries are exploring a semiconductor and high tech collaboration , along with partnerships in manufacturing and supply chains, seen as critical for future growth and innovation. Malaysia remains one of India’s important trading partners within ASEAN, with bilateral trade estimated at nearly USD 19 to 20 billion , and both sides are looking to further expand commerce and private sector participation.

People to people ties add emotional depth to the relationship. Malaysia is home to nearly three million people of Indian origin , one of the largest Indian diaspora communities overseas. Modi’s interaction with the community is a highlight of the visit, underlining the strong cultural bonds, shared heritage and the role of the diaspora as a living bridge between the two nations.

India and Malaysia established diplomatic relations in 1957, and cooperation has steadily expanded across defence exchanges, trade, education and tourism. Observers say this visit is expected to give fresh momentum to ties and lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration in security, economy, technology and innovation in the years ahead.