INDIA, MALAYSIA EYE STRONGER BUSINESS LINKS AS MODI MET TOP INDUSTRY LEADERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of high-level meetings with prominent Malaysian corporate leaders during his recent visit to Malaysia, aimed at expanding bilateral economic cooperation across key growth sectors, according to India’s External Affairs Ministry (MEA).

In its Facebook posts, the MEA described the engagements as productive interactions with leading Malaysian industry captains to explore new partnerships and investment opportunities that align with India’s fast-growing economy and reform trajectory.

Modi met Tan Sri Vincent Tan, founder of Berjaya Corp Bhd, where discussions focused on opportunities in hospitality, food services, retail, fintech and clean technology.

The MEA noted that Berjaya already has a strong footprint in India’s hospitality sector and that Tan was looking forward to deepening the group’s presence in India’s services and consumer markets.

The Prime Minister also met Phison Electronics founder Datuk Pua Khein Seng, widely recognised as the inventor of the world’s first single-chip USB flash drive. Through its joint venture MiPhi, Phison has established operations in India, with Pua signalling interest in expanding into India’s growing technology and innovation ecosystem, including the semiconductor sector.

In another meeting, Modi engaged with Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and group chief executive officer of Patronas, to discuss strengthening energy cooperation.

The MEA noted discussions centred on renewables and clean fuels, including green hydrogen and green ammonia, as well as Petronas’ long-standing investments in India’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and petrochemical sectors.

Modi also met with managing director of Khazanah Nasional Bhd Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, during which Khazanah highlighted India’s economic transformation and potential as a high-growth investment destination.

According to MEA, the meetings reflected strong investor confidence in India and a shared commitment to scale up economic and technology partnerships between India and Malaysia.

Modi’s visit to Malaysia on Feb 7 and 8 formed part of broader efforts to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries, with trade, investment, digital economy, semiconductors and clean energy identified as priority areas.

During the visit, Modi also held talks with Malaysian leaders and addressed business stakeholders, reaffirming India’s focus on attracting foreign investments and strengthening supply chain resilience with ASEAN partners. Malaysia remains among India’s key trading partners in Southeast Asia.

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). Key export items comprised 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