Transcript of Special Briefing by Secretary (East) on the Prime Minister’s visit to Malaysia (February 05, 2026)

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:Good afternoon, friends, welcome to this special briefing on Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Malaysia.

We have with us Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri P. Kumaran, as also Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs who looks after Malaysia, Shri Prashant Agrawal with us for this briefing.

With that, I hand over the floor to Secretary (East) for his initial remarks. Sir, the floor is yours.

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East):Well, thank you, Randhir. Good afternoon, dear friends from the media. I extend a warm welcome to all of you and thank you for joining us today for this special briefing on the visit of Prime Minister to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 7th and 8th February 2026.

Upon invitation of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, His Excellency, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Kuala Lumpur on 7th and 8th February. This would be PM's third visit to Malaysia, and his first after the state visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to India in 2024.

Our PM had earlier visited Malaysia in 2015. During that visit, India-Malaysia bilateral relations were elevated to an enhanced strategic partnership. PM had also inaugurated the Torana Gate in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, a gift from India to Malaysia, symbolizing the India-Malaysia friendship. PM again visited Malaysia in 2018 for a brief stopover to congratulate the former Malaysian PM, Mahathir Mohamad. Prime Minister also virtually attended the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit convened in Kuala Lumpur on 26th October 2025.

The forthcoming visit comes within one and a half years of elevation of our bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the state visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to India during 19th to 21st August 2024, and reflects India's strong commitment to our relations with Malaysia, a key partner in India's Act East Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR, and also the Indo-Pacific vision.

The visit will also provide an opportunity to enhance our engagement with the ASEAN region, given the important role of Malaysia as its founding member, and its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025. PM will hold bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Malaysia. They will review progress under the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in priority areas of cooperation such as trade, investments, defense, security, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, education, healthcare, and people-to-people exchanges.

The 10th meeting of the India-Malaysia CEOs Forum is also scheduled in Kuala Lumpur on the sidelines of the visit, and PM will also interact with leading Malaysian CEOs from key sectors. As you know, India and Malaysia share a strong, dynamic, and diverse economic partnership. Malaysia is India's third largest trading partner in ASEAN with bilateral trade around 20 billion dollars. Our trade has diversified beyond commodities such as palm oil and includes a variety of agricultural products, chemicals, minerals, appliances, and machinery.

On the investment front, our engagement is strong and is growing steadily. Major Malaysian investors like PETRONAS, Khazanah, IHH Healthcare, IJM Corporation, United Engineers (UEM) etc. have a strong presence in India while over 200 Indian companies including 61 joint ventures and three Indian PSUs including those in IT and ITES, manufacturing, construction, and pharmaceuticals are actively operating in Malaysia. Our countries are working towards further enhancing our bilateral trade in a balanced and sustainable manner.

India and Malaysia are also cooperating under ASEAN for early conclusion of the ongoing review of AITIGA, the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement. The two countries are also discussing a joint review of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

PM will also interact with members of the Indian community. He will address the Indian community in Malaysia numbering around 2.9 million, which represents the second largest PIO community and the third largest Indian diaspora. All these interactions underline the multi-faceted nature of India-Malaysia ties spanning the economic, political and people-to-people dimensions.

Following the announcement by PM in August 2024, academic chairs for studies in Indian studies were also set up in Malaysian universities. This has enabled greater academic and cultural exchange between the countries. In recent years, our culture and tourism cooperation has also intensified. Both countries have liberalized the visa regimes for each other's nationals to promote tourist exchanges.

As a result, in 2025 over 1.4 million Indians travelled to Malaysia for tourism whereas about 300,000 Malaysian tourists visited India. Malaysia thus became the largest source of inbound tourism to India from the ASEAN region.

The visit of PM to Malaysia would serve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries as well as to set the path for future engagements for mutual benefit. Thank you.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson:We open the floor for questions now.

Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint:Sir, thank you. Keshav Padmanabhan from The Print. I just wanted to check on the AITIGA review, given that Malaysia is, I think the chair for the review for this trade in Goods Agreement. So, will that be up for discussions, how are we seeing that playing out, will there be any sort of outcomes related to the review of AITIGA expected from this visit? Thank you.

Rishabh, Times Now:Sir, good afternoon, Rishabh from Times Now. Sir, two things: one, DPI is something that India and ASEAN have been discussing for quite some time now. Will there be any announcement on DPI? And second, the Big Cat Alliance, which Malaysia has joined, but formally is Malaysia going to join the Big Cat Alliance and will be there, will they be there at the Big Cat Alliance Summit that we are going to host in India?.

Reza, Hindustan Times:Reza from Hindustan Times. Just two quick questions. Have we finished the interlinking of UPI with the Malaysian counterpart, and is there been any other developments on defense cooperation especially, you know, the plans to help Malaysia upgrade its SU-30 fleet, especially since HAL has set up an office in Kuala Lumpur?

Pranay Upadhyay, Aaj Tak and India Today:Sir, Pranay Upadhyay from Aaj Tak and India Today. You mentioned that India and Malaysia are looking at the expansion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. What are the areas which we are looking at and what is the process we are going to follow? And a quick follow-up, can you share the latest update on the Zakir Naik extradition case? Where do we stand right now?

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East):Alright, thank you. The AITIGA review process is on. We've agreed on the terms of reference, and the colleagues from the Ministry of Commerce have been engaged with the ASEAN group, exploring various options to try and create a better balance in the trade between India and ASEAN.

There are technical elements being discussed in terms of offering more lines under a liberalized regime between India and the ASEAN. I think there is a broad sense that the overall, the average tariff in the ASEAN has to improve compared to the existing level plus also they want to try and stipulate a minimum percentage of tariffs for each country to open up, as a result of which we can achieve better balance overall between India and ASEAN. So that discussion is still on. I don't think there is anything ready as an outcome for this visit as far as AITIGA is concerned.

Let me try and take the CECA review question also together with this. This is still early days for the CECA review process. Normally what we do is to agree on a broad framework, terms of reference and then proceed to talk about specific elements that need to be liberalized and opened up. We've not reached there yet. We're still talking about what kind of review, and the scope of the review. So, it's still not reached a stage where terms of reference have been agreed to.

Let me move on to DPI. During the visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Delhi, the Malaysia-India Digital Council was set up. After that, they have met at the level of Secretary (MeitY) and his Malaysian counterpart. The council is working on bilateral collaboration in AI, digital talent, DPI and cybersecurity. We're also training Malaysian officials in the fields of machine learning and AI under our ITEC program. The NPCI is set to sign an agreement with PayNet during the course of the visit. So that will be one of the outcomes expected from the visit.

The question on IBCA, International Big Cat Alliance. Malaysia has … last time it had confirmed its willingness to join the IBCA. Currently, we are in the process of formalizing the procedures required for accession to IBCA. We are hopeful that that will also be completed in time for the visit. But basically, we are on track for Malaysia joining IBCA.

Defense cooperation, there is a lot of promise as far as defense cooperation is concerned. We are looking at sale of Dornier aircraft. Malaysia also has Scorpene submarines. We are looking at opportunities to try and collaborate, especially in terms of mid-life upgrades, retrofitting etc. You had also mentioned the potential for collaborating on SU-30 aircraft. Malaysians have that aircraft and so do we. We have offered proposals for modification, upgradation and mid-life maintenance. We are also looking at potential for supply of naval platforms by Indian shipyards. So, those are all areas that look promising. We hope to be able to get something going on these areas.

As far as the question of Zakir Naik is concerned, I can assure you that all issues will be discussed during the visit. We have had opportunities to discuss the issue in past visits also at various levels. And we will probably continue to take up the issue until all technical procedures are completed, and we hope to get the outcome that we desire.

Sima Guha, Outlook Magazine: Sima Guha from Outlook Magazine. I wanted to ask about the timing of the visit. What was so urgent, because generally Prime Ministers don't visit while Parliament is on? Just wanted to ask about the timing.

Nirmala, The Straits Times:Nirmala with The Straits Times. Just wanted to ask if there are any other agreements or MoUs that will be signed during the visit?

Krishan Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express:Krishan Mohan Sharma Bharat Express se. Mera sawal hai ki jo edible oil ko leke hamare aur Malaysia ke beech mein kaafi samay se ek tussle chal raha tha kyunki woh shayad humein dene mein ye nahi the aur humne bhi kuch rok diya tha edible cereals jo hai, ek woh issue hai. Dusra issue ye hai sir ki Malaysia time to time hamare internal security ke issues hain, chahe woh Kashmir ki baat ho ya CAA ki baat ho, usko uthata raha hai. Toh aapko kya lagta hai ki ispe kuch rasta nikalne ki sambhavna hai is beech mein?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Krishan Mohan Sharma, Bharat Express. My question is that regarding edible oil, there has been a tussle between India and Malaysia for quite some time, because perhaps they were not supplying it to us, and we also stopped certain edible cereals. That is one issue. The second issue is that Malaysia, from time to time, keeps raising India's internal security matters-whether it is Kashmir or the CAA. So, do you think there is any possibility of finding a way forward on these issues?

Manas, PTI: Manas from PTI. Sir, you briefly mentioned possible cooperation in the area of semiconductor. So, are we going to discuss any specific projects in the area? Thank you.

Neeraj Dubey, Prabhashakshi: Sir namaskar, main Neeraj Dubey Prabhashakshi se. Sir pichle saal Pradhan Mantri ji ne jab virtually sambodhit kiya tha toh unhone kai saare muddon ko uthaya tha aatankwad ke khilaf ladne ke liye aur ek badi baat kahi thi ki 2026 se 2030 ki jo karyayojna hai us par poora sahyog diya jayega. Toh kya us yojna karyayojna par bhi is varta ke dauran honi hai kuch charcha?

[Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi]Sir, greetings. I am Neeraj Dubey from Prabhasakshi. Sir, last year when the Prime Minister addressed virtually, he raised several issues regarding the fight against terrorism, and he also said an important thing-that full support would be given for the 2026-2030 action plan. So, will there be any discussion during these talks regarding that action plan as well?

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East):Okay, let me start with the question on timing. You would recall that the Prime Minister, because of other engagements, could not travel to Malaysia for the ASEAN-India Summit. He participated in the Summit virtually and had promised Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim that he would make it up to him soon, sometime early in the course of 2026. So that's basically the context. He is just delivering on that promise that he will visit Malaysia soon.

There are a number of MoUs that we are looking at. Some of them are still, you know, in the works, some kind of last-minute processes going on for completing the legal requirements for signing the MoUs. We are looking at MoUs as of now, this is still a list that is not fully baked. So, let me just try and list it out, you know, on the understanding that this is subject to confirmation as we get closer to the visit.

We are looking at MoUs in the field of disaster management, audio-visual co-production, standards on training, certification and watch keeping for seafarers. An MOU on UN peacekeeping cooperation that is to be renewed. We are looking at an MoU or probably an exchange of notes conveying intention to cooperate in the semiconductor industry. MoUs for anti-corruption cooperation, MOU between audit institutions on both sides, the National Security Council Secretariats cooperation and health care and technical and vocational training. So those are the areas that we are looking at.

Semiconductors, as you know, Malaysia has a very strong semiconductor ecosystem. Something like 30% of their exports relate to semiconductor and allied products. So, they have a really strong performance over many years in the area of semiconductors. They have almost 30-40 years experience in those areas. So, we are in the process of establishing a multi-layered collaboration arrangement through a G2G MoU, semiconductor industry-led collaborations and also R&D, both in terms of setting up fabrication centers, also assembly testing centers etc. Our companies are also interested in collaborating with Malaysia.

Once the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was agreed on, a joint task force was set up to try and flesh out the various elements listed under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership declaration and various joint working groups under the overall bilateral umbrella are working to try and identify areas for collaboration. These will be developed further to identify specific projects to take forward our cooperation in these areas.

Some of the areas are very, very interesting. We are looking at DPI, we have already spoken, we are also looking at infrastructure projects such as railways. We are looking at renewable energy cooperation, DPI as an area, food security and agro-commodity trade, defense was something that we just spoke about. We are also looking at enhancing scholarships and setting up a center for Indian studies, Thiruvalluvar center for Indian studies. So, we have a lot of areas where we can collaborate.

Question on Palm Oil.

Jaise ki aap jaante hain Malaysia palm oil ka kaafi bada supplier hai. Palm oil cultivation ki bhi discussions chal rahi hain aur hamari jo Ministry of Agriculture hai unhone propose kiya hai ki hum Malaysian Palm Oil Board and Palm Oil Council ke saath collaborate karein aur cooperation karne ke liye kuch projects nikalein.

[Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi]As you know, Malaysia is a major supplier of palm oil. Discussions are also ongoing on palm oil cultivation, and our Ministry of Agriculture has proposed that we collaborate with the Malaysian Palm Oil Board and the Palm Oil Council, and initiate certain projects for cooperation.

One final question on Malaysia's comments. We had this parliamentary delegation visit Malaysia soon after Operation SINDOOR. The Malaysian side engaged us quite actively. We had discussions at multiple levels, and it included ministers, members of parliament, think tanks, members of the Indian community. And we had an opportunity to try and explain to various interlocutors our position on terrorism, the kind of steps we take as part of our counter-terrorism activity and why a lot of it is something that requires a strong response from us from time to time because of provocations caused by cross-border terrorism.

Prashant, Asianet News:Sir, I am Prashant from Asianet News. Sir, what is the status of this India-ASEAN agreement? There was a report that it will be concluded by 2025 December, there was a timeline that was decided earlier. So, what is the status now on this goods agreement?

Dhairya, Sputnik India: Sir, when Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was in India, India extended its support for Malaysia's BRICS membership. Malaysia eventually became a BRICS member country. India holds a BRICS presidency this year. So, will there be some discussion on, you know, on the way forward?

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East): Okay, like you asked, yes, there was an original timeframe set that we will try and complete the AITIGA review by the end of 2025. Unfortunately, we were not able to try and address all the issues that we needed to during discussions with all our ASEAN partners. My understanding is that it will take a few more months for us to clinch that. We hope to be able to do it as early as possible but as of now, there is still work left on that, and we will continue to press ahead with completing the review successfully.

On BRICS, Malaysia is currently a BRICS partner country. And, as of now, the understanding I have is that there is no immediate initiative to expand the BRICS membership. We've just had a round of expansion. The membership is currently 11 countries. From what I have gathered, the general feeling in BRICS is that it is a time to consolidate after a round of expansion, and to make sure that the new members are fully integrated into the various BRICS structures. I think only then we will be talking about a further round of expansion. So, I don't see any next round of expansion happening anytime soon.

Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Thank you sir. With that ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your presence. We come to the close of this press briefing. Thank you.

Shri P. Kumaran, Secretary (East): Thank you.

New Delhi
February 05, 2026