PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim; key MoUs exchanged
Following the talks, both the countries inked several MOUs (Memorandum of Understandings) that covers a wide range of sectors.
Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his two-day visit to the country and said that it is crucial for India to have support of friendly countries in the fight against terrorism.
On Sunday, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour at the Perdana Putra building in Malaysia.
Following the talks, both the countries inked several MOUs (Memorandum of Understandings) that covers a wide range of sectors.
What did PM Modi say?
At a joint press statement with Malaysian Prime Minister, PM Modi said that cooperation between friendly nations was essential in the current global environment.
"The support of friendly nations is crucial in our fight against terrorism. We firmly believe that the prosperity of India and Malaysia is intertwined."
The Prime Minister also reiterated India’s position on combating terrorism as he said: “Our message on terrorism is clear; no double standards, no compromise.”
During the press conference, PM Modi lauded the longstanding ties between India and Malaysia, saying "India-Malaysia relations are really special. We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, there have been deep ties between people of our two countries. Today, Malaysia is the second biggest nation in the world that has Indian origin population. Our civilisations are connected to shared cultural heritage and democratic values."
#WATCH | At joint press statement with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, PM Narendra Modi says, "India-Malaysia relations are really special. We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, there have been deep ties between people of our two countries. Today, Malaysia is the second biggest… pic.twitter.com/t6hHnUQTdZ
— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2026
"We will aim to deepen our defence and security ties, enhance our economic and innovation partnership, and expand our collaboration into new domains," he said.
What did Randhir Jaiswal say?
External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also highlighted the importance of visit, stating that it carries a "rich agenda and will give a major boost to the special partnership between India and Malaysia".
"The visit is expected to impart significant momentum to our close & multi-faceted partnership," he added.
PM Modi had arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to a grand red-carpet reception with traditional music and dance performances. Anwar Ibrahim personally welcomed him at the airport, joined by Malaysian Minister of Human Resources Ramanan Ramakrishnan and Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni.
What did PM Modi say about cultural heritage?
"Today, Malaysia is the second largest country in the world with a population of Indian origin. Our civilisations, shared cultural heritage and democratic values bind us together," he said.
The Prime Minister also said that both sides will strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security.
PM Modi also spoke about the "shared love for the Tamil language" that binds the two countries.
“Shared love for Tamil language also connects India and Malaysia. In Malaysia, the strong and living presence of Tamil can be seen in education, media and cultural life. I am confident that with today’s Audio Visual Agreement, film and music, especially Tamil films, will bring our hearts closer,” he said.
PM Modi also expressed deep gratitude for the warm and exceptional welcome he recieved in Kuala Lumpur.
Glimpses from the ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2026
India and Malaysia continue to deepen a partnership rooted in trust, friendship and shared aspirations.@anwaribrahim pic.twitter.com/cgnxdmLQ0w
How did Malaysian Prime Minister describe the meeting?
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim described his meeting with PM Modi as "very vital, very strategic and critical" to advancing bilateral ties.
"We consider this meeting and these exchanges very vital, very strategic and critical to advance and enhance relations between India and Malaysia," the Malaysian Prime Minister said.
#WATCH | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says, "We consider this meeting and these exchanges very vital, very strategic and critical to advance and enhance relations between India and Malaysia. We had long-standing relations since 1957. But we have… https://t.co/L3jv9U5G8m pic.twitter.com/gQXFLpHrey
— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2026
While talking about outlining future collaboration, the Malaysian PM said, "We’ll continue to deepen collaboration in all fields- trade and investment, semiconductor, digital economy, trade in local currency, connectivity, energy, agriculture, food, security, defence, education, healthcare, tourism, culture and people-to-people."
"India is growing by leaps and bounds, which is one spectacular rise in the international economic trade scene and therefore Malaysia in the ASEAN context certainly benefits immensely if we could secure more ways and opportunities to collaborate with India to extending beyond the $18.59 billion that we achieved in 2025. One remarkable feat is this decision to use local currency as far as possible..."
