Kuala Lumpur, February 8 Prime Minister Narendra Modi held extensive talks with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, on Sunday, focusing on strengthening defense and security ties and enhancing economic and innovation cooperation.
The two sides are expected to sign several agreements that will facilitate cooperation in key sectors, including the semiconductor industry.
Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to a grand red-carpet welcome, with Ibrahim receiving him at the airport, signaling a new momentum in the bilateral relations.
Ahead of the talks, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra this morning.
"India shares close bonds with Malaysia, rooted in civilizational, historical, and people-to-people ties," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
In his departure statement on Saturday, the prime minister signaled that the visit would focus on a major push for deeper defense cooperation and robust economic engagement.
"The historic ties between India and Malaysia have seen steady progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and further enhancing our comprehensive strategic partnership," Modi said.
"We will aim to deepen our defense and security ties, enhance our economic and innovation partnership, and expand our collaboration into new domains," he said.
India and Malaysia elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in August, 2024.