Kuala Lumpur, 7 February 2026 – Malaysia and India have the potential to emerge as stabilising forces in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Malaysia.
Speaking at a public engagement session in Seri Kembangan, Anwar emphasised the importance of cooperation, dialogue and mutual respect at a time of heightened global tensions.
“At a time of great uncertainty, our region needs voices that speak for dialogue over confrontation, for cooperation over narrow self-interest. Malaysia and India can be among those voices,” he said.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation Across Key Sectors
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, particularly in strategic sectors including trade, technology, education and cultural exchange. He noted that meaningful partnerships must ultimately deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.
Modi’s two-day official visit from February 7 to 8 underscores efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, which share longstanding economic, diplomatic and cultural ties.
Longstanding Historical and Cultural Connections
Anwar highlighted the historical contributions of the Indian community in Malaysia, noting their critical role in nation-building, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, education and healthcare. He emphasised that Malaysia’s diversity, shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous communities, has been a key strength in building the nation’s economy and social fabric.
He also pointed to the strong cultural integration between both countries, reflected in Malaysia’s festivals, cuisine, arts and daily life.
Strategic Implications for Regional Stability and Economic Cooperation
The strengthened Malaysia-India partnership comes at a time when Asia is navigating geopolitical shifts, supply chain realignments and economic transformation. Both countries are increasingly seen as influential regional players capable of promoting diplomatic balance and economic cooperation.
For investors and policymakers, closer Malaysia-India collaboration could unlock opportunities in trade, technology partnerships, digital economy initiatives and cross-border investment, particularly as both nations position themselves as key growth engines in Asia.
