Keralam: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Keralam is poised to unveil opportunities for collaboration between Malaysia and southern India in sectors like wellness tourism, education, trade, and investment. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Consul General of Malaysia to South India, K. Saravana Kumar, emphasized Keralam's expertise in Ayurveda and its integration of traditional and modern medicine, which Malaysia could explore to enhance its wellness tourism sector.
Tourism is also highlighted as an area ripe for strengthening, given the significant tourist exchanges between Malaysia and southern India, particularly Keralam and Tamil Nadu. Saravana Kumar mentioned the potential to increase the number of tourists from southern India visiting Malaysia, further benefiting both countries.
After attending the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, Anwar is set to meet the Grand Mufti of India, Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, at Jamia Markaz to discuss community development, educational advancement, and interfaith harmony. Saravana Kumar noted that Anwar's inaugural visit to Keralam as Prime Minister is crucial for enhancing Malaysia-India bilateral ties, especially with southern Indian states.
The visit is anticipated to inject fresh momentum into Malaysia's relations with southern India and explore mutually beneficial cooperation areas. The Keralam state government views Anwar's presence as significant, preparing extensively to welcome him as a state guest, recognizing Malaysia as a key bilateral partner of India.
Keralam, known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage, also excels in sustainable development and clean energy, areas where both sides could exchange expertise. Anwar's visit to Calicut (Kozhikode) will concentrate on business engagements with Indian industry leaders, expected to foster new cooperation and investment opportunities.
Meetings with Keralam Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan and Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar are scheduled to discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, healthcare, and education. Anwar's arrival in New Delhi for the BRICS Summit hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks another step in strengthening diplomatic relations.
Established in 1957, modern diplomatic ties between Putrajaya and New Delhi have since grown, with India as Malaysia's largest trading partner in South Asia. Bilateral trade reached USD18.55 billion (RM79.33 billion) in 2025. This working visit is expected to fortify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, expanding cooperation in economic, trade, investment, digital technology, and education sectors.