PM Modi in Malaysia as India eyes stronger trade, defence links

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday, as the two countries look to bolster trade and explore potential collaborations in semiconductors, defence and other fields.

Modi is on a two-day visit to Malaysia, his first since the two countries elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in August 2024.

His meeting with Anwar will take place at the Malaysian premier’s official residence in the administrative capital Putrajaya, where the pair will also witness the signing of several cooperation agreements in areas including health care, national security and labour, Malaysia’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.

India’s foreign ministry said on Thursday the two countries were in the process of establishing a multi-layered arrangement to collaborate in the semiconductor sector.

India is also seeking to boost defence ties, and was in talks with Malaysia on a potential sale of Dornier aircraft as well as servicing and upgrades to Scorpene-class submarines and Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, a ministry official said.

Malaysia’s total trade with India amounted to $18.6 billion last year, comprising exports of palm oil as well as electrical and electronic goods, while imports from India mainly consisted of agricultural, petroleum and chemical products, according to government data.