NEW DELHI: Deepening bilateral cooperation and translating it into semiconductor industry partnerships were among the key issues discussed during a bilateral meeting between Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit yesterday, the Prime Minister highlighted integrated supply chains, talent development and two-way investment.
“We have agreed to continue with the strong momentum of Malaysia-India relations and to strengthen our friendship, which is deeply rooted in our long history,” Anwar said.
Reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to boosting bilateral trade and investment, he urged measures to ease and expedite the entry of Malaysian goods into India.
“This will allow more opportunity for our companies to benefit from India’s large and growing market.
“Malaysia and India will continue to build mutually beneficial relations that bring prosperity to our people,” he added.
The Prime Minister also called for stronger tourism and people-to-people ties through increased flight connectivity, while expressing appreciation for the warm welcome extended to the Malaysian delegation.
The visit marks Anwar’s second trip to India as Prime Minister following his official visit in August 2024, during which bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Malaysia attended the summit as a BRICS Partner Country, a status held since 1 January 2025.
Malaysia-India bilateral ties were elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Anwar’s first visit to the republic.
India remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the South Asian region, with total trade between the two countries reaching RM79.49bil in 2025.
Malaysia’s key exports to India comprise palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, as well as electrical and electronic products, while imports mainly comprise agricultural, petroleum and chemical products.
Meanwhile, Modi expressed his appreciation for Malaysia’s continued support in strengthening Asean-India relations.
“The leaders took stock of the outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Malaysia in February 2026, and reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation across a range of areas,” said a statement issued by India’s External Affairs Ministry following the meeting.
The ministry said Anwar conveyed Malaysia’s concurrence to the establishment of a Consulate General of India in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
“The leaders exchanged views on key regional and global issues of mutual interest.
“They also expressed their continued commitment to advancing the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” it said.
