Indian PM Modi Arrives In Malaysia For Two-day Official Visit

SEPANG, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The aircraft carrying Modi landed at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 4.40 pm today, and he was warmly greeted by Anwar.

Also on hand to welcome Modi was Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, who is also the minister in attendance during the visit.

He then inspected a guard of honour mounted by two officers and 26 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Capt Mohd Afiq Aiman Mohd Zulkifli.

Modi was then welcomed with the waving of the Malaysian and Indian flags by 100 students from Kolej Tunku Kurshiah, Sekolah Menengah Sains Banting and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi.

A series of cultural performances reflecting the diversity of Malaysia’s society was staged to mark Modi’s arrival. 

The reception began with the blowing of the tetuang, followed by the MADANI drumming performance featuring 12 musicians playing traditional instruments from various ethnic communities, including the jidor, Chinese drum and dhol, symbolising harmony and Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity.

The atmosphere was further enlivened by a performance by 40 dancers from Artistana Istana Budaya, who showcased choreographed movements in multiracial-themed costumes.

Modi then rode together with Anwar in a vehicle to a community event at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Modi's visit reciprocates the official visit by Anwar to India in August 2024.

This also marks Modi's third visit to Malaysia and the first since both countries elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024.

Modi's visit is expected to enhance bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, building on the longstanding friendship between Malaysia and India since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957.

According to Wisma Putra, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Anwar tomorrow, where both leaders are expected to take stock of the CSP's implementation and chart new directions for cooperation.

The talks will also focus on cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, labour, tourism, connectivity, agriculture and education, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Following the meeting, both leaders will witness the exchange of a wide-ranging set of agreements and cooperation documents, reflecting the deepening institutional ties between the two countries.

These include Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on combating and preventing corruption, standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers, and disaster management.

Other documents include an agreement on audio-visual production, a Memorandum of Collaboration in the field of labour, Exchanges of Notes covering semiconductors, healthcare, national security, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Both leaders will also witness the Exchange of Letters on United Nations peacekeeping cooperation, as well as the submission of the Framework Agreement on the International Big Cats Alliance.

India and Malaysia share longstanding historical, civilisational and cultural ties, underpinned by a strong Indian diaspora community of about 2.9 million in Malaysia, the third largest in the world.

Malaysia-India economic ties continue to demonstrate strong momentum with total bilateral trade reaching RM79.49 billion (US$18.59 billion) in 2025.

Malaysia's exports amounted to RM52.3 billion (US$12.24 billion) and imports totalled RM27.19 billion (US$6.35 billion), with key export items comprising palm oil and palm oil-based agricultural products, as well as electrical and electronic products, while imports mainly consisted of agricultural, petroleum and chemical products.

-- BERNAMA