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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to travel to Malaysia next month as part of India's outreach to Southeast Asia, according to a report by the Economic Times.
PM Modi was unable to attend the Asean Summit hosted by Malaysia last year, owing to commitments at home andthe Bihar Assembly Elections.
India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024 during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi. While defence cooperation has grown steadily, political relations were historically strained during Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure due to his stance on Kashmir.
However, with Ibrahim leading since late 2022, experts anticipate a diplomatic thaw, especially given that Malaysia remains India’s third-largest trading partner within Asean.
PM Modi was unable to attend the Asean Summit hosted by Malaysia last year, owing to commitments at home andthe Bihar Assembly Elections.
India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024 during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi. While defence cooperation has grown steadily, political relations were historically strained during Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure due to his stance on Kashmir.
However, with Ibrahim leading since late 2022, experts anticipate a diplomatic thaw, especially given that Malaysia remains India’s third-largest trading partner within Asean.
A major new pillar of the relationship is semiconductor collaboration. In 2025, Malaysia, a global hub for "back-end" semiconductor testing and packaging, signed new tech alliances with India. Both countries are working to integrate their supply chains to reduce reliance on Western markets.
Security cooperation has moved from simple joint exercises to institutionalized strategy. In January 2025, the two nations held their first-ever India-Malaysia Security Dialogue in New Delhi.
Both countries fly Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets. They have established a specialised forum to share maintenance expertise and spare parts, directly boosting their air force readiness.
