Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8 (NationPress) Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “true friend” with whom he engaged in a “trustworthy” dialogue on Sunday.

During a joint press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian PM Ibrahim stated, “This meeting and these exchanges are critical and strategic for strengthening India-Malaysia relations. Our relationship, which dates back to 1957, has now been upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.” He emphasized the “deep-rooted historical connections, robust people-to-people interactions, and growing economic collaboration.”

He asserted, “We will continue to enhance cooperation in diverse areas such as trade, investment, semiconductor technology, digital economy, local currency trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, food security, defense, education, healthcare, tourism, culture, and interpersonal relations. This is truly comprehensive, and we are confident in our ability to advance these initiatives swiftly with the commitment of our respective governments and foreign ministers.”

The Malaysian PM noted that both nations signed 11 documents, including MoUs, in an exchange of letters that “transcended typical bilateral arrangements,” covering peacekeeping cooperation in semiconductor technology, healthcare, and security.

PM Ibrahim expressed optimism about expanding trade with India, aiming to surpass the $8.59 billion figure achieved in 2025. He described the use of local currencies—the rupee and Malaysian ringgit—as a “remarkable achievement.”

“India is experiencing remarkable growth, establishing itself as a powerhouse in international trade. Thus, Malaysia, within the ASEAN framework, stands to gain significantly by finding more avenues to collaborate with India, aiming to exceed the $18.59 billion milestone set for 2025,”

he added.

He highlighted the significance of educational ties, noting that many Malaysians have studied in India, with an increasing number of Indian students in Malaysia. “Under the leadership of my esteemed colleague Prime Minister Modi over the past decade, Indian educational institutions have gained exceptional recognition, rivaling even the most renowned establishments in the West. We will actively seek to increase the number of students studying in India across various disciplines,” the Malaysian PM remarked.

He also underscored the importance of tourism and connectivity.

“I must convey my gratitude; my discussions with Prime Minister Modi transcend ordinary diplomatic exchanges, embodying the essence of true friendship marked by trust and understanding. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his unwavering commitment to support all peace initiatives, whether in Ukraine-Russia or the Middle East, particularly Gaza. His peacekeeping efforts are commendable,” he stated.

“As a testament to our strong relations, I have swiftly agreed to endorse the Indian government's decision to establish a consulate in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,” he concluded.

Earlier that day, both leaders engaged in delegation-level discussions, focusing on enhancing bilateral ties across various sectors, including defense and security.

PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra in Putrajaya.

PM Modi's visit is viewed as a crucial step towards further solidifying the enduring friendship between India and Malaysia, founded on mutual trust, shared values, and common aspirations for the future.