Kuala Lumpur, February 8: During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Malaysia, India and Malaysia agreed to enhance cooperation in local currency trade, the digital economy, and defense collaboration. This marks Modi’s first foreign trip of 2026.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that both nations will deepen their collaboration across various sectors, including trade and investment, semiconductors, the digital economy, connectivity, energy, agriculture, food security, security, defense, education, health, tourism, culture, and people-to-people relations.
Ibrahim noted that 11 significant documents were exchanged during the visit, including memorandums of understanding. Some of these agreements extend beyond typical bilateral relations, covering areas such as peace missions, semiconductors, health, and security cooperation.
The Malaysian Prime Minister also mentioned that new avenues will be explored to boost trade with India and ASEAN countries, aiming to increase trade to $18 billion by 2025, with local currency usage being a crucial aspect.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that cooperation between the two countries has strengthened over the past decade in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Investments in the digital economy, biotechnology, and IT have also increased, alongside enhanced tourism and interpersonal connections.
Inspired by these achievements, India and Malaysia have decided to accelerate and deepen their partnership.
In the security sector, both countries will enhance cooperation in combating terrorism, sharing intelligence, and maritime security. Modi emphasized that defense collaboration will be broadened further.
He also indicated that partnerships in AI, digital technology, semiconductors, health, and food security will be advanced.