Modi Calls Malaysia a ‘Trusted Partner’, Highlights Indian Diaspora as Bridge Between Nations
Kuala Lumpur, Feb. 7: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed Malaysia as a close and trusted partner, underscoring the crucial role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Addressing more than 10,000 attendees at the “Selamat Datang Modi Ji” event at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Modi said India-Malaysia relations are reaching new heights, driven by strong people-to-people ties and expanding strategic cooperation.
He noted that bilateral relations entered a new phase after both countries elevated ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New Delhi in 2024.
“Today, we walk hand in hand as partners towards progress and prosperity. “India’s success is Malaysia’s success; it is Asia’s success,” Modi said.
Modi congratulated the organizers for staging a large-scale cultural showcase featuring more than 800 performers, calling it a symbol of unity and harmony that would be remembered for years to come.
The Indian leader arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday for a two-day official visit at Anwar’s invitation.
Describing Malaysia as home to one of the world’s largest Indian-origin communities, Modi said the diaspora remains a “living bridge” connecting the histories, traditions, and aspirations of both nations. He added that people-to-people ties continue to form the foundation of bilateral relations.
“You have connected our foods, languages, and cultures. We understand each other naturally,” he said, noting the popularity of Indian films and music in Malaysia and joking about viral videos of Anwar singing Hindi songs during his 2024 visit to India.
Modi expressed appreciation to Anwar for personally welcoming him upon arrival and accompanying him to the event, calling the gesture a sign of friendship and respect for India.
He also praised Anwar’s leadership and Malaysia’s reform agenda, as well as the country’s role in ASEAN, noting that both nations share a common vision for regional stability and prosperity.
Recalling Malaysia’s solidarity during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, Modi commended the Indian community for preserving its heritage through schools teaching Indian languages and cultural values inspired by figures such as Thiruvalluvar and Swami Vivekananda.
Modi invited Malaysians to visit India and highlighted India’s rapid economic growth and ambitions in digital innovation, manufacturing, and renewable energy as it works toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
“India will always embrace you with open arms. Together, we can build a future of shared growth and prosperity,” he said.