Modi to Strengthen India-Malaysia Ties During February Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Malaysia on February 7-8, 2025, to engage in bilateral discussions with his counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim. This visit is significant as it marks Modi’s third trip to Malaysia and his first since the two countries upgraded their diplomatic relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.

During his time in Malaysia, PM Modi aims to explore opportunities for collaboration in the defence sector. The agenda includes discussions on the sale of Dornier aircraft, as well as the maintenance of Scorpene submarines and SU-30 aircraft, as indicated by the Ministry of External Affairs on February 5. Additionally, Modi plans to meet with members of the Indian diaspora, which is notably one of the largest in the world, comprising approximately 2.9 million individuals.

Malaysia’s role as a key partner for India extends beyond defence. It is a pivotal player in the ASEAN region and supports India’s Act East Policy. The Torana Gate in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, serves as a symbol of enduring friendship between the two nations, inaugurated in 2015 by Modi and former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak.

The ties between India and Malaysia have evolved significantly since their diplomatic relationship began in 1957. The elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership occurred during Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024. Previous upgrades include the Enhanced Strategic Partnership established in 2015, during Modi’s earlier visit to Malaysia. In recent years, high-level political exchanges have become more frequent, including Modi’s participation in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit held virtually in October 2025.

Defence relations between India and Malaysia have been growing steadily, encompassing military training and capacity-building exercises. The establishment of the first Regional Office of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Kuala Lumpur in 2023 exemplifies this strengthening relationship. As Malaysia holds the chair of ASEAN in 2025, both nations are expected to engage in further ministerial visits to enhance defence collaboration.

Economic ties are another crucial aspect of the India-Malaysia partnership. Bilateral trade reached $19.85 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25, making Malaysia India’s third-largest trading partner within ASEAN. India ranks among the top ten trading partners for Malaysia. As of April 1, 2023, trade transactions can be conducted in Indian Rupees (INR), expanding the avenues for economic exchange.

To foster people-to-people connections, both countries have liberalised their visa regimes. Malaysia has allowed visa-free travel for Indian nationals since December 2023, while India has granted free tourist visas for Malaysian citizens since July 2024, valid until December 2026. In 2025 alone, nearly 1.4 million Indian tourists visited Malaysia, while nearly 300,000 Malaysian tourists travelled to India, marking significant movement between the two countries.

Educational collaboration is also on the rise, with initiatives such as the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair at the University Tunku Abdur Rahman in Malaysia, operational since September 2024. This followed Modi’s announcement during Anwar Ibrahim’s state visit to India. Additionally, a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies was inaugurated at the University Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, enhancing cultural and academic ties.

As Prime Minister Modi prepares for his visit, the focus remains on reinforcing the multifaceted partnership between India and Malaysia, with significant implications for both nations in terms of defence, trade, and cultural exchange.