MALAYSIA-INDIA TIES AT HISTORIC HIGH, DRIVEN BY STRONG COOPERATION - PM ANWAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) -- Bilateral ties between Malaysia and India have reached a historic pinnacle, driven by renewed momentum in economic cooperation and a strong personal rapport between the two heads of government.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he was “personally very excited” and appreciative of the visit by his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, noting that the bond between both nations has grown significantly stronger.

Describing Modi as a “great friend,” Anwar said he felt fortunate to share a close personal bond with the Indian leader, which has helped translate diplomatic intent into tangible results.

“This is not merely a declaratory statement. It has produced results.

“Bilateral trade reached almost US$19 billion in 2025, with India now ranking among Malaysia’s top trading partners,” he said in his keynote address at an event organised by the Indian community in Malaysia at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) near here today, with Modi also present.

Also in attendance were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and senior government officials.

Anwar also noted that Modi is among the first major leaders to visit Malaysia as the nation prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), marking a significant milestone in diplomatic engagements.

Reflecting on the nation’s foundations, he paid tribute to the Malaysian Indian community, describing them as an “integral partner” in the country’s development.

“When Malaysia embarked on the great project of building a nation from its diversity, the Indian community - my brothers and sisters - was an integral partner. They helped build the foundation of a great Malaysian economy alongside their Malay and Chinese neighbours,” Anwar said.

He added that true nation-building happens “in the classrooms, in workplaces, and in our shared life,” pointing to the cultural heritage found in ‘Little India’ districts and shared celebrations such as Deepavali.

Modi is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia starting Saturday at Anwar’s invitation, reciprocating the Malaysian leader’s visit to India in August 2024.

India remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the South Asian region, with total trade between the two countries reaching RM79.49 billion (US$18.59 billion) in 2025.

-- BERNAMA