Kuala lumpur: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The aircraft carrying Modi landed at the Bunga Raya Complex, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 4:40 pm today, where he was greeted by Anwar.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, who is also the minister in attendance during the visit, was present to welcome Modi. The Indian Prime Minister inspected a guard of honour mounted by two officers and 26 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Capt Mohd Afiq Aiman Mohd Zulkifli.
Modi was welcomed by a display of the Malaysian and Indian flags waved by 100 students from Kolej Tunku Kurshiah, Sekolah Menengah Sains Banting, and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi. Cultural performances reflecting Malaysia's society were staged to mark Modi's arrival.
The reception included the blowing of the tetuang, followed by the MADANI drumming performance with 12 musicians playing traditional instruments from various ethnic communities. This included the jidor, Chinese drum, and dhol, symbolising harmony and Malaysia's cultural diversity. The atmosphere was further enlivened by a performance by 40 dancers from Artistana Istana Budaya.
Modi then rode with Anwar to a community event at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Modi's visit reciprocates the official visit by Anwar to India in August 2024 and marks his third visit to Malaysia, the first since both countries elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in August 2024.
Modi's visit is expected to enhance bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual benefit, building on the longstanding friendship between Malaysia and India since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957. According to Wisma Putra, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Anwar tomorrow. The leaders are expected to review the CSP's implementation and explore new directions for cooperation.
The discussions will cover areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, labour, tourism, connectivity, agriculture, education, as well as regional and international issues. Following the meeting, both leaders will witness the exchange of agreements and cooperation documents, reflecting the deepening institutional ties between the two countries.
These documents include Memoranda of Understanding on combating and preventing corruption, standards of training for seafarers, and disaster management. Other agreements include an audio-visual production agreement, collaboration in the field of labour, exchanges on semiconductors, healthcare, national security, and Technical and Vocational Education.
Both leaders will also witness the Exchange of Letters on United Nations peacekeeping cooperation and the submission of the Framework Agreement on the International Big Cats Alliance. India and Malaysia share historical, civilizational, and cultural ties, supported by a strong Indian diaspora community of about 2.9 million in Malaysia.
Malaysia-India economic ties continue to demonstrate strong momentum with total bilateral trade reaching RM79.49 billion (US$18.59 billion) in 2025. Malaysia's exports amounted to RM52.3 billion (US$12.24 billion) and imports totalled RM27.19 billion (US$6.35 billion), with key exports including palm oil and electronic products, while imports consisted of agricultural, petroleum, and chemical products.