New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Kuala Lumpur on Saturday on a two-day official visit to Malaysia. The visit, conducted at the special invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is seen as crucial for elevating the historical and cultural ties between the two countries to new heights.

In his pre-departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said, I am leaving today on an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The historic relationship between India and Malaysia has witnessed steady progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and further strengthening our comprehensive strategic partnership. Our aim will be to further deepen defense and security ties, enhance economic and innovation partnership, and expand cooperation into new areas.

"I also look forward to meeting the Indian community in Malaysia. At nearly three million, they represent one of the largest Indian diaspora communities in the world. Their immense contribution to Malaysia's progress and their role as a vibrant bridge between our two countries form the strong foundation of our historic friendship," Modi said.

The Prime Minister will arrive in Kuala Lumpur around 5 p.m., after which he will proceed to the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre where he will address the Indian diaspora. Malaysia is home to approximately 3 million Indian diaspora, of which over 2.7 million hold Overseas Indian (OCI) cards. Large cutouts have been erected at various locations across the Malaysian capital to welcome Prime Minister Modi.

He will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Perdana Putra Bhavan, the Prime Minister's Office, at 9 a.m. on Sunday. He will then proceed to Seri Perdana, the Prime Minister's residence, where he will hold a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, followed by a delegation-level meeting. During this meeting, several agreements will be signed between the two countries and leaders will deliver press statements. Following this, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will host a luncheon in Prime Minister Modi's honor. Prime Minister Modi will then return home.

India and Malaysia share strong historical and socio-cultural ties. Malaysia is an important partner for India in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region and a key pillar of India's Act East Policy.

The Torana Gate, located in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, is a gift from India to Malaysia as a symbol of the continued friendship between the two countries. The Torana Gate was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi and the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Najib Razak, on 23 November 2015. During this visit, the bilateral relations between India and Malaysia were elevated to the status of an 'Enhanced Strategic Partnership'. Subsequently, during the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to India from 19-21 August 2024, India-Malaysia diplomatic relations were elevated to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1957.

Prime Minister Modi also met with Prime Minister Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 6, 2025. Prime Minister Modi also participated virtually in the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, 2025. The two Prime Ministers also spoke by telephone on October 22, 2025.

India-Malaysia defense relations have grown steadily over the past few years, encompassing a range of initiatives from capacity-building exercises and military training to defense industrial cooperation. During Defense Minister Rajnath Singh's visit in 2023, the first regional office of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was opened in Kuala Lumpur. Economic and commercial engagement is one of the key pillars of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Bilateral trade between the two countries is projected to reach US$19.85 billion in fiscal year 2024-25. Malaysia is our third-largest trading partner in ASEAN, while India is among Malaysia's top 10 trading partners. Mutual trade between India and Malaysia can be conducted in Indian Rupees, among other currencies. To further facilitate people-to-people exchanges, both countries have liberalized visa regulations for tourists. India is the fifth-largest source of inbound tourism for Malaysia. Malaysia has allowed visa-free travel for Indian citizens from December 2023, while India has allowed free tourist visas for Malaysian citizens from July 2024 until December this year. Around 1.4 million Indian tourists visited Malaysia in 2025, while around 300,000 Malaysian tourists visited India, the highest number among ASEAN countries.

Following the announcement made by the Prime Minister of Malaysia during his visit to India in August 2024, a Chair of Ayurveda Studies has been established at the University Tunku Abdul Rahman Malaysia. This Chair became operational in September 2024. Similarly, a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies has been established at the University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur.