New Delhi/Kuala Lumpur, Feb 7 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday underscored India’s growing strategic, economic and cultural engagement with Southeast Asia, describing the Indian diaspora in Malaysia as a “living bridge” that anchors the historic friendship between the two countries, as he addressed a large community gathering in Kuala Lumpur.
Leading with a strong message of trust and partnership, Modi said India today is seen globally as a “trusted partner for growth,” adding that “trust has become India’s strongest currency.” His remarks came during a vibrant Indian diaspora programme at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MINES), held on the first day of his two-day official visit to Malaysia.
“Grateful for the warmth of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. Our diaspora continues to serve as a strong bridge between India and Malaysia,” Modi said, drawing loud applause from the audience. Malaysia is home to nearly 2.9 million people of Indian origin, the second-largest Indian-origin community in the world.
The Prime Minister recalled that he had been unable to visit Malaysia last year for the ASEAN Summit but had promised to return soon. “Last year, I could not visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit. But I promised my friend that I will come to Malaysia soon. As promised, I am here. This is my first foreign visit in 2026,” he said.
Modi’s visit on February 7–8, at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is his third trip to the country since 2015. It comes against the backdrop of the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2024 and reflects Malaysia’s growing importance in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Highlighting the deep cultural bonds between the two societies, Modi said, “There is so much that connects Indian and Malaysian hearts,” pointing to the popularity of Indian films and music in Malaysia. He stressed that the success of one country benefits the other, remarking, “India’s success is Malaysia’s success.”
On the economic front, Modi said India has emerged as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and noted that more than 100 Indian companies are operating in Malaysia. He added that India has concluded trade agreements with major economies, including the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the European union and the United States.
“For the world, India is open,” Modi said, also highlighting India’s push for clean energy, with solar power accounting for around 40 per cent of the country’s renewable capacity. He announced that a new Indian consulate would be opened in Malaysia soon and said the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) digital payments system would also be launched in the country, steps expected to further ease people-to-people and business ties.
Earlier, Modi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim were accorded a vibrant reception at the diaspora event, marked by large-scale cultural performances featuring more than 800 artistes. The performers showcased a colourful blend of Indian classical and folk dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Yakshagana, Lavani and Odissi, celebrating India’s cultural diversity.
As the two leaders arrived together at the venue, they were greeted with enthusiastic chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi.” Organisers announced that the mega dance presentation had earned a place in the Malaysian Book of Records for featuring the highest number of performers in an Indian dance event.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was delighted to welcome his “close friend from India,” recalling the deep historical and civilisational links between the two nations that predate formal diplomatic ties. He noted that India is among Malaysia’s leading trading partners and highlighted the strong people-to-people connection, pointing out that over 1.5 million Indian tourists visited Malaysia in 2025.
Modi’s address set the tone for his official engagements during the visit, with New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur expected to focus on strengthening cooperation across trade, technology, energy, digital infrastructure and cultural exchanges. UNI SKA AAB