Kuala lumpur: Malaysia and India today reaffirmed their partnership in healthcare and traditional medicine, committing to exploring joint health initiatives to address critical medical needs across the region. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the collaboration reflects both countries' shared aspiration to advance affordable, accessible, and people-centric healthcare.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, "Malaysia remains committed to addressing the necessary arrangements to enable the future deployment of Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM) experts to Malaysia under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, and is engaging in active consultations with India," as mentioned in a joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministry. The move is anticipated to facilitate the resumption of TIM services at selected hospitals of Malaysia's Health Ministry, complementing allopathic medicine as Malaysia advances towards a more integrated and holistic model of care.
The leaders also acknowledged the ongoing bilateral cooperation in affordable healthcare and medicine, and welcomed discussions on strengthening collaboration in drug regulation, mutual recognition of pharmacopoeia standards, and the recognition of nursing services. "In this regard, the leaders welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India's Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) and University of Cyberjaya in October 2025, aimed at promoting research collaboration, training, and academic exchanges in homoeopathy," the statement added.
The enhanced cooperation underscores the growing depth of Malaysia-India ties and their shared commitment to strengthening regional health resilience through innovation, research, and people-focused partnerships. The statement further mentioned that Malaysia and India have agreed to streamline the mobility of workers and professionals between the two countries, reflecting the strong and enduring people-to-people ties that underpin bilateral relations.
Both leaders also reaffirmed tourism as a key pillar of cooperation and a major driver of closer ties between the two nations. "In this regard, India welcomed the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, whereas Malaysia appreciated the 'Incredible India' tourism campaign. Both sides underscored the importance of sustainable and inclusive tourism in supporting economic growth and mutual understanding," it highlighted.
Acknowledging the vibrant people-to-people exchanges, the leaders welcomed ongoing visa liberalisation measures, which have bolstered tourist arrivals and business travel between the two countries. Both Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening air connectivity in a spirit of mutual trust, benefit, and win-win cooperation.
"Recognising the continued growth in passenger demand and the importance of enhanced connectivity for tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, both Governments agreed to further deepen cooperation in the field of civil aviation. In this context, the Malaysian side proposed to further enhance existing air traffic rights. The Indian side took note of the request," the statement elaborated.
Additionally, both leaders appreciated the operationalisation of the Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies at Universiti Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur and welcomed the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Centre at the university. "Prime Minister Anwar welcomed the announcement of Thiruvalluvar Scholarships for Malaysian nationals," the joint statement concluded.