PM Modi’s Malaysia visit to focus on trade, semiconductors and ASEAN engagement: MEA

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kuala Lumpur on February 7 and 8 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a media briefing on Thursday.

Briefing the media, Secretary (East) P Kumaran said the visit will provide an opportunity to further enhance India’s engagement with the ASEAN region and deepen bilateral cooperation with Malaysia.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral discussions with Anwar Ibrahim, with the two leaders set to review progress in the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. According to the MEA, discussions will focus on priority areas including trade, investment, defence and security, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges.


"We are also looking at infrastructure projects such as railways, renewable energy, and cooperation. We are also looking at enhancing scholarships and setting up a Centre for Indian studies, Thiruvalluvar Centre for Indian Studies", Kumaran said.



“The visit will also provide an opportunity to enhance our engagement with the ASEAN region,” Kumaran said, adding that the leaders will assess cooperation across key sectors of mutual interest.

The 10th meeting of the India–Malaysia CEOs’ Forum is scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the visit. Prime Minister Modi will also interact with leading Malaysian chief executives from key sectors, the MEA said.

Kumaran noted that Prime Minister Modi last visited Malaysia in 2015, during which bilateral relations were elevated to strengthen the strategic partnership. He said the upcoming visit comes within 18 months of the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Anwar Ibrahim’s state visit to India in August 2024, reflecting India’s strong commitment to its relationship with Malaysia.

“Our countries are working towards further enhancing our bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner,” the MEA official said, adding that discussions are also underway on a joint review of the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to address the Indian community in Malaysia, which numbers around 2.9 million people, the MEA said.