NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while interacting with the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur, on Saturday, highlighted the deep cultural and emotional ties between India and Malaysia and praised the Indian diaspora for keeping traditions alive.The prime minister also called India a trusted partner for growth, referring to the recent deals with the United States and the European Union. “Trust has become India’s strongest currency,” the prime minister said.Hailing the cultural ties between the two nations, the prime minister said Malaysia has one of the largest Indian-origin populations in the world and played an important role in strengthening ties between the two countries. “Malaysia has the second-largest Indian-origin community in the world. There is so much that connects Indian and Malaysian hearts. You are a living bridge that links us,” Modi said.The Prime Minister also highlighted the global importance of Tamil. “Tamil is India’s link to the world, Tamil literature is eternal and Tamil culture is global,” he said. Notably, three are Tamil speakers in the country and the Malaysian government recognises it as a minority language.He recalled his friendship with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and appreciated his gesture during the visit. “Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and I have been friends even before he became Prime Minister. Not just that, he came to the airport to welcome me and he brought me here in his car. This special gesture reflects his love and respect for India and for all of you,” he said.PM Modi also referred to cultural exchanges and appreciation for Indian music and cinema. “I’ve heard that Indian movies and music are popular in Malaysia. You all know that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim sings very well. Videos of him singing an old Hindi song in India went viral. It is wonderful that he also loves Tamil songs of the legendary MGR,” he said.He spoke about upcoming festivals and extended his wishes. “Soon, the festival of Shivratri is coming. In a few days, Ramzan begins. And then, Hari Raya will be celebrated with great devotion. I wish everyone happiness and good health,” he said.PM Modi also highlighted India’s growing global role. “Earlier, India was seen just as a huge market. Now we are a hub for investment and trade. India is seen as a trusted partner for growth,” he said.
Ties in focus
The prime minister arrived in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur Saturday on a two-day visit to the island nation. He shared a car ride with his Malaysian counterpart on arrival, the picture from which he shared on his social media, saying, “Celebrating the India-Malaysia people-to-people connect! PM Anwar Ibrahim and I are heading to the community programme in Kuala Lumpur.” This is the prime minister’s first visit since 2015, with the relations facing tensions in 2019–2020 after differences over political issues and trade measures. Ties improved in recent years, and both countries signed nine agreements during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024. During the two-day visit, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The 10th meeting of the India–Malaysia CEO’s Forum will also be held in Kuala Lumpur during the visit, the ministry of external affairs said in a statement before the visit.
