English Translation of Prime Minister's press statement during the joint press statement with the Prime Minister of Malaysia (February 08, 2026)

Your Excellency, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim,
Delegates of both countries,
Friends from the media,
Namaskar!
Selamat pagi!

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my close friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, for the warm welcome. Last year, I was unable to visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit. However, I had promised my dear friend that I would visit Malaysia at the earliest opportunity. And today, on my first overseas visit of 2026, I have come to Malaysia.

Friends,

India and Malaysia share a special relationship. We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, there have been deep and close bonds between our peoples. Today, Malaysia is home to the second-largest population of people of Indian origin in the world. Our civilizations are connected by shared cultural heritage and democratic values.

Friends,

In recent years, our relationship has gained new momentum, and my friend Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has made a special contribution to this progress.

Cooperation between us in energy, infrastructure, and manufacturing has grown significantly. Mutual investment in the digital economy, biotechnology, and IT has increased. Tourism and people-to-people ties have also deepened. Inspired by these achievements, today we have decided to bring unprecedented pace and depth to our partnership.

Friends,

In the field of security, we will strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and maritime security. We will also further expand defence cooperation.

Alongside AI and digital technologies, we will advance our partnership in semiconductors, health, and food security. The CEO Forum held today has opened new avenues for trade and investment. Guided by strategic trust, we will chart a pathway towards economic transformation.

Friends,

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet members of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also graced the conference with his presence. This community of three million people serves as a living bridge and is one of our great strengths. The steps taken for their welfare provide a humane foundation to our relationship.

The Social Security Agreement for the protection of Indian workers in Malaysia, the gratis e-visa for tourism, and the implementation of the UPI digital payment interface in Malaysia will all make the lives of citizens of both countries easier. After all, any partnership truly succeeds with strength when its benefits reach people directly.

Friends,

India and Malaysia are also connected by a shared affection for the Tamil language. In Malaysia, the strong and vibrant presence of Tamil is visible in education, media, and cultural life. I am confident that today's audio-visual agreement will bring our hearts even closer through films and music, especially Tamil cinema.

We are also expanding opportunities among our youth through university exchanges, start-up connect initiatives, and skill development programmes. To support our growing ties, we are also moving forward with the opening of a new consulate in Malaysia.

Friends,

The Indo-Pacific region is emerging as the engine of global growth. We are committed, together with ASEAN, to promote development, peace, and stability across the Indo-Pacific. India places high priority on ASEAN centrality. I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on Malaysia's successful ASEAN Chairmanship.

With the support of friendly countries like Malaysia, India will further broaden its engagement with ASEAN. We are in agreement that the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) should be completed at the earliest.

Friends,

Today, we also held meaningful discussions on regional and global issues. In the current climate of global uncertainty, the growing friendship between India and Malaysia is extremely important for both countries.

We share the view that, in order to address today's challenges, reform of global institutions is essential. We will continue to support all efforts for peace. And our message on terrorism is clear:

No double standards. No compromise.

Excellency,

We appreciate your commitment to India-Malaysia relations. Let us work together to realize your vision of a prosperous Malaysia and our resolve for a developed India.

Once again, I express my sincere gratitude for your friendship, your warm welcome, and your hospitality. We look forward to welcoming you to India.

Thank you very much.
Jumpa lagi!

Kuala Lumpur
February 08, 2026