PM reiterates zero-tolerance on terror, calls Indo-Pacific world’s growth engine
BuzzBytes | Kuala Lumpur | February 8, 2026
India and Malaysia on Sunday unveiled a set of initiatives to deepen cooperation in defence and security, semiconductors and trade after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Kuala Lumpur.
After the meeting, Modi said India and Malaysia share a “special relationship” rooted in history, culture and democratic values, and pledged to expand engagement across strategic and economic sectors. Reiterating India’s stand on terrorism, he said, “Our message on terrorism is clear—no double standards, no compromise.”
Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to a red-carpet reception, with Anwar Ibrahim receiving him at the airport. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra ahead of the talks.
“India and Malaysia are maritime neighbours. For centuries, our people have had deep and affectionate ties. Today, Malaysia is the second-largest country in the world with a population of Indian origin. Our civilisations and shared cultural heritage bind us together,” Modi said.
The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing and maritime security, and to make defence collaboration more comprehensive. They also agreed to advance partnerships in semiconductors, health and food security, alongside cooperation in AI and digital technologies.
Touching upon the Indo-Pacific, Modi said the region is emerging as the world’s growth engine and that India remains committed to development, peace and stability across the region in partnership with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said India and Malaysia continue to expand collaboration in trade, investment, connectivity and defence, and noted India’s strong momentum on the global trade and economic front.
The talks marked a fresh push to elevate India–Malaysia ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific and growing focus on resilient supply chains, particularly in critical technologies like semiconductors.
