NEW DELHI / ISTANBUL

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to kick off his two-day visit to Malaysia.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received Modi at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and the two leaders then shared a ride.

"I look forward to our conversations and to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia," Modi said on the US social media company X.

He had earlier said the visit would boost the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.

Modi also said the visit "aims to deepen defense and security ties, enhance economic and innovation partnerships, and expand collaboration into new domains."

The two leaders later addressed an event for the Indian diaspora.

Anwar and Modi are also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting during the visit in Putrajaya, with Modi set to remain in Malaysia until Sunday.

Following their meeting, the two leaders will witness the exchange of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in areas including anti-corruption efforts, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers, and disaster management, according to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry.

A memorandum of collaboration on labor and an exchange of notes covering semiconductors, health care, national security, and vocational education and training will also be signed, said a statement issued by the ministry.

In 2025, the bilateral trade between the two countries reached $18.59 billion.

There are approximately 2.75 million people of Indian origin in Malaysia, constituting about 9% of Malaysia's total population, according to the High Commission of India.