PM Modi vows stronger India-Malaysia ties in strategic pivot; says ‘no compromise’ on terrorism

India and Malaysia on Sunday (February 8, 2026) vowed to expand their ties in the high-priority sectors of trade and investment, defence, energy, advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserting that both sides are committed to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Also read: PM Modi visit to Malaysia highlights

Following his wide-ranging talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Mr. Modi reiterated India’s position on combating terrorism as he said, “Our message on terrorism is clear: no double standards, no compromise.” The two sides inked a total of 11 agreements and documents to expand cooperation in a range of key areas, including a framework pact for deeper engagement in the semiconductor sector.

Both Mr. Modi, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (February 7, 2026), and Mr. Ibrahim appreciated efforts to promote the usage of local currencies — the Indian Rupee and Malaysian Ringgit — for trade settlement.

During the visit, Mr. Modi also met Malaysia’s Indian-origin Ministers, MPs and Senators and interacted with four leading industry leaders of Malaysia.

“We will pave the way for economic transformation through strategic trust,” Mr. Modi said, describing the India-Malaysia relationship as “special”.

“We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, our peoples have had deep and cordial ties,” he said in his media statement.

Mr. Modi also announced India’s decision to establish an Indian Consulate General in Malaysia.

In his remarks, Mr. Ibrahim noted India’s economic growth and said his country would benefit immensely if it could secure more ways and opportunities to collaborate with New Delhi.

“It (India’s economic growth) is one spectacular rise in the international economy and trade scene,” he said, describing the decision to use local currencies for bilateral trade as “remarkable”.

In the talks, Malaysia extended its support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Elaborating on engagement in the security domain, Mr. Modi said cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security will be strengthened, adding that both sides will further expand defence ties.

“Along with AI and digital technologies, we will advance partnerships in semiconductors, health, and food security,” he said, noting that the discussions at the CEO Forum opened new opportunities for trade and investment.

The Prime Minister touched upon India’s position on the Indo-Pacific and its steadfast views on the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) centrality in the region.

“The Indo-Pacific region is emerging as the world’s growth engine. We, along with ASEAN, are committed to development, peace, and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

“With the support of friendly countries like Malaysia, India will further expand its relations with ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). We agree that the review of the ASEAN-India Trade Agreement, ITIGA, should be completed expeditiously,” he added.

Mr. Modi said he and Mr. Ibrahim also had a “meaningful discussion” on regional and global issues.

“In this environment of global instability, the growing friendship between India and Malaysia is of vital importance to both countries… We share the view that reform of global institutions is essential to address today’s challenges. We will continue to support all efforts for peace. And our message on terrorism is clear: No double standards, no compromise,” he added.

“We appreciate your commitment to India-Malaysia relations. Let us together realise your dream of a prosperous Malaysia and our resolve for a developed India,” he said.

The two Prime Ministers also “unequivocally and strongly condemned” terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terrorism and called for “zero tolerance” of terrorism, according to a joint statement.

The two leaders also called for concerted global efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive and sustained manner and agreed to work towards countering radicalisation and violent extremism.

They also resolved to work towards combating the financing of terrorism and preventing the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in countering terrorism, including in the U.N. and FATF (Financial Action Task Force), the statement said.

Mr. Modi and Mr. Ibrahim also agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral fora, including at the U.N., and support reforms of international institutions.

“They pledged to work together to enhance multilateralism, reflective of contemporary realities so as to make international organisations, including the UNSC, more representative,”  the joint statement said.

“Reflecting the strong spirit of mutual support in multilateral forums, the two Leaders discussed mutual support for various international candidatures. India deeply appreciated Malaysia’s support for India’s permanent membership in a reformed UNSC,” it said.

During his meeting with Malaysia’s Indian-origin political leaders, he appreciated their active role in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The PIOs included Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital; Ramanan Ramakrishnan, Minister of Human Resources; M Kulasegaran, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department; and R Yuneswaran, Deputy Minister of National Unity, among others. “The PIO leaders expressed their appreciation for Prime Minister’s leadership in building the Comprehensive Strategic partnership between the two countries and initiatives aimed at advancing the India-Malaysia relationship,” according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

He also interacted with four leading industry leaders of Malaysia — Tengku Muhammad Taufik, president and Group CEO of PETRONAS; Vincent Tan Chee Yioun, founder of Berjaya Corporation Berhad; Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir, managing director of Khazanah Nasional Berhad; and Pua Khein Seng, founder of Phison Electronics. Mr. Modi highlighted the initiatives and reforms undertaken in India in recent years to promote ease of doing business and create a stable, efficient and predictable business and policy environment. He called upon businesses in Malaysia to explore the opportunities offered by India, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, renewable energy, digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and healthcare, among others.