The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the visit as significant for advancing the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During his stay in Kuala Lumpur, Modi will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Ibrahim, review progress in bilateral cooperation, and outline future priorities across strategic and economic sectors.
According to Foreign Secretary P. Kumaran, the issue of fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is expected to feature prominently in discussions. Naik, who left India in 2016 and has been residing in Malaysia for nearly a decade, faces charges in India related to money laundering and alleged promotion of radical views. India has raised the matter of his extradition on multiple occasions, and officials said the issue remains a point of concern in bilateral ties.
The visit also carries a strong economic focus. Modi will attend the 10th India–Malaysia CEO Forum on February 8, where he is scheduled to interact with leading Malaysian industrialists and business leaders. The forum is expected to explore opportunities for expanding trade, investment, and industrial cooperation, particularly in areas such as manufacturing, digital technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
Bilateral talks are expected to cover a broad range of sectors, including defence and security cooperation, healthcare, education, tourism, and people-to-people ties. Officials said both sides are also examining collaboration on infrastructure projects, including railways and clean energy initiatives. Proposals to increase scholarships for students and establish the Thiruvalluvar Centre for Indian Studies in Malaysia are also under consideration.
Engagement with the Indian diaspora is another key element of the visit. Modi will address members of the Indian community in Malaysia, which numbers around 2.9 million people of Indian origin and is among the largest Indian diasporas globally. The MEA noted that the community has played an important role in Malaysia’s development and has historic links to India’s freedom movement.
Strategically, the visit underscores India’s Act East Policy and Malaysia’s importance within ASEAN. Analysts say the trip could help New Delhi build support for a more balanced ASEAN–India trade framework, as India seeks to address a widening trade deficit with the bloc.
