India and Malaysia Sign Six Key Agreements as PM Modi, PM Anwar Deepen Strategic Partnership

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Sunday witnessed the signing of six significant bilateral agreements, marking a major step forward in strengthening cultural, economic and strategic cooperation between India and Malaysia. The agreements were finalised following extensive discussions between the two leaders during PM Modi’s two-day official visit to Malaysia.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit represents an important milestone in advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation across a wide range of traditional and emerging sectors, reflecting the growing depth and maturity of bilateral relations.

During their talks, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Anwar reviewed ongoing collaboration and explored new avenues of partnership in areas such as trade and investment, semiconductors, defence and security, maritime cooperation, energy and renewable resources, tourism, cultural exchanges, and digital and emerging technologies. The discussions underscored the shared intent of both nations to align their economic and strategic priorities amid evolving global and regional challenges.

Several important agreements and memoranda of understanding were exchanged during the visit. These covered diverse areas including security cooperation, participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, semiconductor development, healthcare and medicine, disaster management, anti-corruption initiatives, audio-visual co-production, vocational education and training, and social security arrangements for Indian workers in Malaysia. The breadth of these agreements highlights the multifaceted nature of India–Malaysia ties and their focus on long-term, sustainable cooperation.

In a major cultural initiative, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of a dedicated Thiruvalluvar Centre at Universiti Malaya, along with the launch of Thiruvalluvar scholarships. The initiative aims to promote the teachings and philosophy of the renowned Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, while further strengthening cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties between the two countries. The MEA noted that this move reflects the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Malaysia, particularly with the Indian diaspora.

The Prime Minister also announced India’s decision to open its first Consulate in Malaysia. This step is expected to enhance diplomatic engagement, strengthen bilateral relations and provide improved consular services and support to Indian citizens living in or visiting Malaysia.

Among the agreements signed, cooperation between the University of Cyberjaya and ITRA Jamnagar emerged as a key highlight. As per the MEA, this partnership will focus on traditional medicine and facilitate research and academic exchange in Ayurveda, while expanding access to holistic healthcare practices and knowledge-sharing between institutions in both countries.

To boost connectivity and economic integration, National Payments Corporation of India’s subsidiary, NIPL, and Malaysia’s PayNet agreed to collaborate on establishing bilateral payment linkages, including integration through India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This initiative is expected to enhance ease of doing business and provide seamless, secure and low-cost remittance and payment solutions for tourists, students and business communities operating between the two nations.

In another notable development, Malaysia completed all necessary formalities to join the International Big Cat Alliance, an initiative focused on the global conservation of big cat species and biodiversity protection.

Additionally, the report of the 10th India–Malaysia CEO Forum was presented to the two leaders. The report is expected to offer key recommendations to strengthen business-to-business collaboration and expand trade and investment opportunities, further deepening economic engagement between India and Malaysia.