PM Modi’s Malaysia visit to strengthen strategic partnership — what to watch for | India News
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Malaysia on February 7 and 8 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.The Prime Minister last visited Malaysia in 2015, when both countries upgraded their relationship to an enhanced strategic partnership. More recently, relations improved further during Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024, when both sides agreed on a comprehensive strategic partnership.The MEA said the upcoming visit reflects India’s continued focus on strengthening ties with Malaysia and expanding cooperation in various fields. “Our countries are working towards increasing our bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner,” the MEA said.Prime Minister Modi is expected to meet Malaysian leaders and address the Indian community in the country.
What to expect from the tour
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- India and Malaysia are discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
- The leaders will review cooperation in key sectors including trade, investment, defence, security, semiconductors, digital technology, renewable energy, education and healthcare.
- The visit will also provide an opportunity to strengthen India’s engagement with the ASEAN region.
- During the visit, the 10th meeting of the India-Malaysia CEO Forum will be held in Kuala Lumpur.
- Prime Minister Modi will interact with chief executives of Malaysia’s leading key sectors to strengthen trade and investment ties.
- He will also give a speech
Indian community in Malaysia The number of which is about 2.9 million people.
India-Malaysia Relations: A Snapshot
- Malaysia hosts around 2.9 million people of Indian origin and has one of the largest Indian diaspora populations in the world.
- Bilateral trade between the two countries remains significant, with strong economic engagement over the years.
- Relations faced tensions in 2019-2020 after disagreements over political issues and trade arrangements, including a ban on palm oil imports.
- Relations have improved in recent years and both countries signed nine agreements during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024.
- The upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership marked a major step in expanding economic, strategic and people-to-people cooperation.
