Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the deep cultural, historical and people-centric ties between India and Malaysia, describing the Indian diaspora as a “living bridge” connecting the two nations. Addressing a large community programme in Kuala Lumpur, the Prime Minister said that India’s success is intrinsically linked with Malaysia’s success and, in turn, Asia’s success.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception by the Indian-origin community, Prime Minister Modi said Malaysia hosts the second-largest Indian-origin population in the world, with centuries-old connections that continue to bind the hearts of the two countries. He thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for joining the community celebrations and recalled the special gesture of being welcomed at the airport and escorted personally to the venue.
The Prime Minister praised the record-setting cultural performance featuring over 800 dancers, calling it a symbol of harmony and shared heritage. He also commended Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, reform-oriented outlook and his chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025, noting that the two leaders shared a long-standing friendship even before assuming office.
Recalling his earlier commitment to visit Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi said this was his first foreign visit of 2026 and expressed happiness at celebrating the festive season with the community. He extended greetings on Sankranti, Pongal and Thaipusam, and conveyed best wishes ahead of Shivaratri, Ramzan and Hari Raya.
Highlighting cultural linkages, the Prime Minister said traditions, food and language form a natural bond between the two societies. He pointed to shared culinary influences and the popularity of Indian films and music in Malaysia. He also noted the enduring legacy of Indian freedom fighters among the diaspora, recalling the role played by members of the community in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army.
Prime Minister Modi said the Indian-origin community has preserved its traditions over centuries and referred to his recent Mann Ki Baat address, where he spoke about over 500 schools in Malaysia teaching children in Indian languages. He underlined the influence of saints such as Thiruvalluvar and Swami Vivekananda in Malaysia and compared Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves with those at Palani.
Referring to Tamil heritage, the Prime Minister said Tamil language and culture have made a global contribution and acknowledged the role of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia across sectors. He noted that India has established a Thiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya and announced that a Thiruvalluvar Centre will be set up to further strengthen shared cultural heritage.
On bilateral relations, Prime Minister Modi said India–Malaysia ties are scaling new heights following their elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He described IMPACT—India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation—as the guiding principle of the relationship, shaping its pace, ambition and benefits for the people of both countries.
Highlighting economic cooperation, the Prime Minister said Indian companies have played a role in setting up Malaysia’s first and Asia’s largest insulin manufacturing facility, while over 100 Indian IT firms operate in the country. He also announced that India’s UPI system will soon be introduced in Malaysia, further boosting digital collaboration.
Speaking on India’s growth story, Prime Minister Modi said India has emerged as a trusted global partner for growth, with trade agreements spanning the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the EU and the United States. He said trust has become India’s strongest currency in the global economy.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to its overseas community, the Prime Minister highlighted the extension of OCI card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the sixth generation and announced upcoming Thiruvalluvar Scholarships for students. He said the Indian diaspora will remain a key partner in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi said that whether born in Kuala Lumpur or Kolkata, India lives in the hearts of its diaspora, who continue to contribute to the progress of both Malaysia and India.
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