Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said he was deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by his “friend” and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as he began his two-day official visit to Malaysia.
Highlighting the strong people-to-people and civilisational ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Modi and his Malaysian counterpart travelled together to a community programme in Kuala Lumpur, shortly after the Indian leader’s arrival.
In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs said Prime Minister Modi was received at the airport in a special gesture by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, along with senior Malaysian ministers. The MEA said the welcome included vibrant cultural performances reflecting the shared heritage of India and Malaysia.
Posting on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “Landed in Kuala Lumpur. Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. I look forward to our conversations and to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi shared a photograph of himself travelling with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to the community programme, describing the Indian diaspora as a vital link between the two nations. Excited children waving the Indian tricolour and the Malaysian flag were among those who greeted the Prime Minister at the airport.
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said the visit aims to deepen defence and security cooperation, strengthen economic and innovation partnerships, and expand collaboration into new areas. He noted that the visit comes after the elevation of India–Malaysia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.
“This is my third visit to Malaysia, and the first after our bilateral relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his eagerness to interact with the Indian community in Malaysia, calling it a “living bridge” between the two countries. He said the nearly three million-strong Indian diaspora has made a valuable contribution to Malaysia’s development and continues to strengthen bilateral ties.
According to the MEA, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart and interact with members of the Indian community, as well as industry and business leaders. The 10th India–Malaysia CEO Forum is also scheduled to be held during the visit.
Malaysia is a key partner in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision, and the visit is expected to add momentum to the expanding multi-faceted partnership between the two countries.
