KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s success in securing 11 memoranda of understanding and cooperation documents with India has marked a new phase in bilateral relations and strengthened Malaysia’s position as a strategic partner regionally and globally.

Human Resources Minister, Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said the agreements went beyond numbers, reflecting deeper economic and political cooperation while enhancing investor confidence and Malaysia’s standing within Asean.

He said the outcome was supported by strong Malaysia–India trade, which reached RM79.49 billion in 2025, making Malaysia India’s third-largest trading partner in Asean.

“This performance reflects the results of economic reforms, political stability and consistent policies in attracting high-quality foreign direct investment into Malaysia,” he said.

Ramanan said the progress aligned with Anwar’s focus on high-impact economic diplomacy, quality investments and strategic cooperation that directly benefit national development and public well-being.

“Cooperation in the semiconductor sector through the sealing of strategic collaboration between both governments is a clear signal that Malaysia continues to be trusted within high-technology and competitive industrial value chains,” he said.

He added that MoUs covering areas such as TVET, social security between Perkeso and India’s Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, security, disaster management and healthcare would have a direct impact on skills development and quality job creation.

“This approach ensures that every investment brings real value-added, high-impact training and sustainable employment opportunities for Malaysians,” he said.

Ramanan said the strengthened Malaysia and India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership had reinforced Malaysia’s international credibility and dispelled doubts about the government’s economic management.

“Malaysia today is not merely a trading partner, but a trusted and reliable strategic partner,” he said.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) P Kumaran said the visit was significant as it marked nearly a decade since Modi’s last official visit in 2015 and reflected the strong momentum in bilateral ties.

“There is reason to be satisfied that our cooperation is proceeding very well. 

“The outcomes of this visit are of immense significance, not only because of the range and diversity of subjects covered but also the positive impact they will bring to our people, and therefore reflect the true spirit of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," he said.

Kumaran said both leaders reviewed cooperation across trade, investment, defence, digital and financial technology, renewable energy, education, healthcare, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

“Once the technical steps get completed it will be operationalised,” he said, referring to progress on linking India’s Unified Payments Interface with Malaysia’s payment systems.

Modi concluded his two-day official visit to Malaysia on Sunday and departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport with full ceremonial honours, marking a strong close to a visit that deepened bilateral cooperation.