Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a strong and clear message on terrorism during his visit to Malaysia, saying there can be “no double standards and no compromise” when dealing with the global threat. Speaking after talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 8th February, Modi said India’s stand on terrorism is firm and unambiguous.
Our collective view is that reforming global institutions is necessary to address today's challenges: PM Modi after talks with Malaysian PM.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 8, 2026
Our message on terrorism is clear: no double standards, no compromise: PM Modi after talks with Malaysian PM Ibrahim. pic.twitter.com/lXsRYEiYm3
This was PM Modi’s first foreign visit of 2026. He said he was happy to be in Malaysia after missing the ASEAN Summit last year and fulfilling a promise to visit at the earliest opportunity.
Modi described India-Malaysia ties as a “special relationship,” rooted in history, shared culture and democratic values. He noted that the two countries are maritime neighbours and that Malaysia is home to one of the largest populations of Indian origin in the world.
During the talks, both leaders agreed to give fresh momentum to the partnership. India and Malaysia announced steps to deepen cooperation in defence and security, including counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security. Modi said defence cooperation would be made more comprehensive, reflecting growing strategic trust between the two nations.
The discussions also focused on economic and technology ties. Modi said India and Malaysia will work closely in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technologies, semiconductors, health and food security.
He said the CEO Forum held during the visit opened new paths for trade and investment and would support long-term economic growth for both countries.
Modi highlighted the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, calling it the emerging engine of global growth. He said India remains committed to peace, stability and development in the Indo-Pacific, in partnership with ASEAN, and stressed that India gives the highest priority to ASEAN centrality. He also welcomed progress on reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement.
The Prime Minister underlined the role of the Indian diaspora, calling the three-million-strong community in Malaysia a living bridge between the two nations.
He said steps such as a social security agreement for Indian workers, free e-visas for tourism and the use of India’s UPI digital payments in Malaysia would directly benefit people.
Modi also spoke about the shared love for the Tamil language and culture, expressing confidence that a new audio-visual agreement would strengthen cultural ties, especially through cinema and music. He announced plans to expand university exchanges, startup links and skill development, and confirmed that India will open a new consulate in Malaysia.
PM Modi received a warm welcome in Kuala Lumpur, including a red-carpet reception and ceremonial honours. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said cooperation between the two countries continues to grow across trade, investment, connectivity and defence, and praised India’s rapid rise on the global economic stage.
