ndia - Malaysia Joint Statement on the occasion of the Official visit by Prime minister of India to Malaysia

At the invitation of Prime Minister of Malaysia, His Excellency, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, His Excellency, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, undertook an official visit to Malaysia from 7 to 8 February 2026. The visit reflected the deep-rooted friendship and enduring people-to-people ties, based on civilizational connections between the two countries. It reaffirmed the shared commitment of the two Leaders to further consolidate and expand the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957, Malaysia and India have built a partnership based on mutual respect and shared values, which was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was accorded an official welcoming ceremony at the Perdana Putra Complex, Putrajaya. The Leaders then held official bilateral meetings on 8 February 2026, reaffirming the CSP. The Prime Ministers held extensive and productive discussions in a warm and cordial atmosphere, covering the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including political engagement, defence and security cooperation, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, digital economy, science and technology, energy, agriculture, health, education, culture, tourism, youth exchanges and people-to-people contacts, in addition to regional and global developments of mutual interest. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also hosted an official luncheon in honour of Prime Minister Modi. They also witnessed the exchange of a number of bilateral documents, aimed at further strengthening institutional cooperation.

The two Leaders reaffirmed that the deep historical links, millenia old contacts, shared cultural heritage and democratic values, between the two countries and the presence of a vibrant Indian community in Malaysia constitute a unique, strong and enduring foundation for the bilateral relationship, and continue to enrich its multi-dimensional character.

Political Cooperation

The Leaders agreed that regular dialogue and exchanges, including high-level visits, have strengthened mutual understanding and coordination across various areas of bilateral cooperation. They reaffirmed the importance of sustaining engagement on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest. In this regard, the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) and Joint Commission Meetings (JCM) remain key platforms underpinning Malaysia–India relations.

Guided by their shared commitment to parliamentary democracy, the Leaders encouraged enhanced parliamentary cooperation and exchanges, noting that such engagement has strengthened institutional linkages and deepened mutual understanding. They expressed satisfaction at the recently concluded visit of the Speaker of House of Representatives of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Johari Abdul, to India for the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) from 13-16 January 2026, in addition to the visit of Indian Parliamentary delegation to Malaysia in September 2025 for the 46th General Assembly of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA); and the visit of the All-Party Parliamentary Delegation to Malaysia from 31 May – 03 June 2025.

Trade and Investment Cooperation

Recognising India as a vital global economic partner, Malaysia appreciates the growth in bilateral trade. Both Leaders underscored that this partnership is one of mutual value and strategic synergy. In the spirit of balanced cooperation, both Leaders agreed to enhance trade facilitation and explore expanded potential in diverse areas, including semiconductors, digital economy, and industrial collaboration.

The Leaders emphasized the importance of the Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (MICECA) and the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA). Both leaders welcomed the ongoing review of AITIGA to make it mutually beneficial, trade facilitative and relevant to current global trading practices. Both Leaders also appreciated MICECA for its potential for deepening economic relations and encouraged its optimum utilization.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the growing bilateral investments and encouraged greater cooperation and investments across priority sectors including in Infrastructure, Energy, including Renewable Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Semiconductors, Healthcare, Digital economy, Fintech, Startups, Artificial Intelligence, Hospitality, Green Technologies and other high value sectors. Prime Minister Modi highlighted India’s role as a key investment destination for Malaysian companies, while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed the significant presence of Indian manufacturing and technology firms, which have contributed to high-skilled job creation in Malaysia.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the convening of the tenth (10th) meeting of the India-Malaysia CEO Forum, in Kuala Lumpur on 7 February 2026. The leaders also noted the outcome document of the CEOs Forum, and expressed hope that the Forum would continue to complement efforts to further strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Both Prime Ministers appreciated the continued collaboration between Reserve Bank of India and Bank Negara Malaysia to promote usage of local currency settlement in bilateral trade and investments, and encouraged industries on both sides to further facilitate the invoicing and settlement of trade in local currencies, i.e., Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit.

The Leaders acknowledged that connectivity is a key determinant and enabler for enhanced economic cooperation. In this regard, they appreciated the growing air and maritime connectivity between the countries and agreed to strengthen it further.

Food Security and Agri-commodity Cooperation

Both Leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in food security and nutrition, particularly in the trade of staple commodities, while respecting each country’s domestic policies. They emphasized the importance of ensuring stable, resilient, and sustainable supply chains to safeguard the food security and nutritional needs of their populations. The Leaders encouraged regular dialogue, information exchange, and collaborative measures to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions in agricultural production and trade.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to remain a reliable supplier of sustainable palm oil. In this regard, the Leaders encouraged deeper collaboration in oil palm cultivation. Furthermore, both sides also agreed for collaboration in value chain development of palm oil, including downstream, higher value-added palm-based products. Both sides also agreed for structured engagement on timely resolution of market access matters.

Digital and Financial Cooperation

The Leaders applauded the formalisation of the Malaysia–India Digital Council (MIDC), recognising its potential as a key platform to advance digital cooperation, foster innovation, and explore collaborative projects in areas such as fintech, e-governance, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and emerging technologies. Both Leaders emphasised that MIDC will serve as a strategic mechanism to strengthen bilateral digital engagement and support the digital transformation agendas of both countries.

The Leaders welcomed the collaboration between NPCI International Limited (NIPL) and PayNet Malaysia to establish bilateral payment linkages. They noted that this integration will significantly enhance the ease of doing business and provide seamless, low-cost remittance and payment solutions for tourists, students, and small businesses, thereby enabling closer economic and people-to-people connectivity between Malaysia and India.

Energy and Semiconductor Cooperation

In the energy sector, the Leaders noted the significant strides made by PETRONAS and Gentari in India’s renewable energy and green hydrogen landscape. In this regard, both Leaders emphasized the vast potential for further collaboration in large scale solar energy initiatives, leveraging Malaysia’s expertise to drive clean energy solutions and achieve mutual net-zero ambitions. Malaysia appreciates India’s initiative in establishing the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

The Leaders acknowledged the strategic importance of the semiconductor industry to the global technology landscape and underlined the mutual benefit of strengthening bilateral synergy in this sector. They emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation to strengthen the semiconductor value chain focusing on technological innovation, workforce development, and supply chain stability to build a resilient and competitive ecosystem. The Prime Ministers commended the cooperation initiatives underway, including cooperation between IIT- Madras Global and Advanced Semiconductor Academy of Malaysia and between the Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA).

Defence and Security Cooperation

The Leaders expressed satisfaction with the robust defence relationship between Malaysia and India, underscored by the regular exchanges, visits, staff talks, exercises, training courses and defence industry collaboration. They welcomed the successful outcomes of the Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) and its subcommittees, including the Terms of Reference on establishment of a Strategic Affairs Working Group (SAWG) and Su-30 Forum.

Both Leaders appreciated India's steadfast engagement in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus framework and welcomed the co-chairmanship with Malaysia of the Counter-Terrorism Working Group for the 2024-2027 term. The Leaders extended an invitation to all ADMM-Plus members to participate in the forthcoming Expert Working Group on Counter Terrorism Table-Top Exercise (EWG CT TTX), co-chaired by India and Malaysia, and scheduled to be hosted by Malaysia in 2026.

The Leaders also took note of the regular participation of their defence delegations and companies in defence exhibitions, including in the Aero India 2025 and Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025).

The Leaders expressed satisfaction at the conduct of the fifth (5th) edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, Harimau Shakti, between Indian Army and the Royal Malaysian Army, during 05-18 December 2025, in Rajasthan, India.

The Prime Ministers encouraged the growing maritime cooperation between India and Malaysia, including through regular goodwill and operational deployments. In this regard, they appreciated the visit of INS Sahyadri to Kemaman, Malaysia in October 2025 and of hydrographic vessel INS Sandhayak to Port Klang, Malaysia in July 2025. The leaders also welcomed the regular navy-to-navy interactions between the countries, including under bilateral and multilateral naval exercises such as ‘Samudra Laksamana’, MILAN and ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME).

The Leaders also expressed satisfaction with the establishment of cooperation between the Government of Malaysia and the Government of the Republic of India under the Inaugural Malaysia-India Security Dialogue, platform to discuss cooperation and mutual assistance on security matters.

The two Prime Ministers unequivocally and strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. They called for zero tolerance of terrorism and for concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner. They agreed to counter radicalisation and violent extremism; combat financing of terrorism; prevent use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes, through cooperation in information and knowledge sharing, exchange of best practices and capacity building. Recognising the linkages between terrorism and transnational organised crime, the two leaders agreed to cooperate in the area of transnational organised crime, including through sharing of information and best practices. The two Leaders reaffirmed commitment to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in countering terrorism, including in the UN and FATF.

Education and Skill Development

Both Leaders noted the presence of a large number of students in each other’s countries and the ongoing programmes under the Malaysia Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP) and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (ITEC). They encouraged the two sides to facilitate greater student and faculty exchanges and cooperation between educational institutions. Prime Minister Modi also invited Malaysian students to avail the opportunities offered by India under the ‘Study in India’ Programme.

The Leaders also highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to develop a skilled workforce aligned with the evolving needs of both countries. They encouraged joint initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and exchange programmes to strengthen vocational training, promote employability, and support sustainable economic growth through skill development.

Culture, Tourism and People-to-People

The two Prime Ministers agreed to further streamline the mobility of workers and professionals between the two countries, in view of the strong people-to-people connect.

The Leaders reaffirmed tourism as a key pillar of bilateral cooperation and an important driver of people-to-people ties between Malaysia and India. In this regard, India welcomed Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, whereas Malaysia appreciated the ‘Incredible India’ tourism campaign. Both sides underscored the importance of sustainable and inclusive tourism in supporting economic growth and mutual understanding. Both Leaders expressed their shared commitment to further deepening tourism cooperation and enhancing two-way visitor flows between the two countries.

Acknowledging the vibrant people-to-people ties, the Leaders welcomed the ongoing visa liberalisation, which has bolstered tourist arrivals and business travel.

Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and India in the spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation. Recognising the continued growth in passenger demand and the importance of enhanced connectivity for tourism, trade and people-to-people exchanges, both Governments agreed to further deepen cooperation in the field of civil aviation.

In this context, the Malaysian side proposed to further enhance existing air traffic rights. The Indian side took note of the request.

The two Leaders appreciated the operationalization of the Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies at the prestigious Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur and welcomed the establishment of Thiruvalluvar Center at Universiti Malaya. Prime Minister Anwar welcomed the announcement of Thiruvalluvar Scholarships for Malaysian nationals.

Healthcare Cooperation

Both Leaders reaffirmed the partnership in Healthcare and Traditional Medicine. Both Leaders committed to exploring health initiatives to address critical medical needs across the region.

Malaysia remains committed to addressing the necessary arrangements to enable the future deployment of Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM) experts to Malaysia under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, and is engaging in active consultations with India. This will facilitate the resumption of TIM services at selected Ministry of Health hospitals, complementing allopathic medicine as we move towards an integrated and holistic model of care.

The Leaders noted the ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of affordable healthcare and medicine, and welcomed the discussions between both sides on cooperation in the area of drug regulation, recognition of pharmacopoeia and recognition of nursing services.

The two Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy (CCRH), India and the University of Cyberjaya (UoC), Malaysia in October 2025, which promotes research collaboration, training and academic exchanges in homeopathy.

Cooperation in Sustainable Development

The Leaders underscored their shared dedication to biodiversity conservation, highlighting Malaysia’s role as a founding member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting and conserving the big cat species of the world including in Malaysia and India through enhanced bilateral cooperation in areas such as research and development, capacity building, technology transfer and the sharing of best practices.

Recognising the vulnerability of both countries to natural and man-made disasters, the Leaders stressed on the need to strengthen disaster cooperation. This includes sharing of expertise, training of personnel in disaster management and search-and-rescue techniques, and conducting joint exercises. Such efforts will be pursued under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Disaster Management between the National Disaster Management Authorities of both countries. The Leaders acknowledged the importance of relevant regional and international initiatives, including the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), in promoting international cooperation in disaster risk reduction and resilience.

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

The Leaders exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues. They emphasised the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

Malaysia welcomed India’s 2026 BRICS Chairmanship, while India reaffirmed its commitment in supporting Malaysia’s role as a BRICS Partner Country and noted the aspiration of Malaysia to become a member of BRICS. Both Leaders recognized this cooperation as a strategic milestone toward enhancing a more balanced and representative international order. Both Leaders also shared the view that such engagements provide vital platforms for economies to contribute constructively to equitable global governance and sustainable development.

Both Prime Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral fora, including United Nations, and support reforms of international institutions. They pledged to work together to enhance multilateralism, reflective of contemporary realities so as to make international organisations, including the UNSC, more representative. Reflecting the strong spirit of mutual support in multilateral forums, the two Leaders discussed mutual support for various international candidatures. India deeply appreciated Malaysia’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.

Both Leaders welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in Combating and Preventing Corruption; MoU on Disaster Management; MoC on Cooperation in promoting Social Security Programs and Activities for Indian citizens as Insured Persons in Malaysia; as well as the Agreement on Audio-Visual Co-Production. The Leaders also witnessed the Exchange of Notes between Malaysia and India on Cooperation in the fields of Semiconductors; Healthcare; National Security; and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). In addition, the Leaders noted the Exchange of Letters (EoL) on the renewal of the MoU on United Nations Peacekeeping Cooperation and the ratification by Malaysia of the Framework Agreement on the International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA).

The two Leaders reiterated their commitment to respecting freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded lawful commerce, based on the principles of international law, as reflected notably in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. The two Leaders urged all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with the universally recognised principles of international law, including UNCLOS 1982.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed India’s full and consistent support for ASEAN Unity and ASEAN Centrality. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Malaysia’s successful Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 and thanked Malaysia and other ASEAN Member States for their support in jointly strengthening ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a free, open, rules-based, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Both sides welcomed deepening of efforts to implement the ‘ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) for Peace, Stability and Prosperity in the Region’ through enhanced cooperation between the AOIP and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), including concrete initiatives towards implementing the AOIP’s areas of cooperation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his profound gratitude to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the people of Malaysia for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit. Prime Minister Modi extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to visit India in the near future.