Bilateral relations between Malaysia and India have reached historic heights, fueled by strengthened economic cooperation and the close personal rapport between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at an event organized by the Indian community at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), Anwar described Modi as a “great friend” and emphasized that their personal connection has helped translate diplomatic intent into tangible results.
“This is not merely a declaratory statement. It has produced results,” Anwar said, noting that bilateral trade between Malaysia and India reached nearly US$19 billion (RM74.98 billion) in 2025, with India now ranking among Malaysia’s top trading partners.
The Malaysian Prime Minister highlighted Modi’s visit as particularly significant, marking one of the first visits by a major world leader to Malaysia as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). The event was also attended by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and senior government officials, according to Malaysian ‘The Edge’.
Anwar paid tribute to the Malaysian Indian community, describing them as an “integral partner” in nation-building. “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 neighbors,” he said.
He added that true nation-building happens “in the classrooms, in workplaces, and in our shared life,” pointing to the cultural heritage of ‘Little India’ districts and shared celebrations such as Deepavali as symbols of Malaysia’s multicultural strength.
Prime Minister Modi’s two-day official visit to Malaysia, at Anwar’s invitation, reciprocates Anwar’s visit to India in August 2024 and further reinforces the strategic and economic partnership between the two nations.
India continues to be Malaysia’s largest trading partner in the South Asian region, with total trade reaching RM79.49 billion (US$18.59 billion) in 2025.
