'Our Ties With Malaysia Scaling New Heights': PM Modi Highlights Shared Values In Kuala Lumpur

Last Updated:February 07, 2026, 16:34 IST

PM Modi highlighted that Malaysia had the second-highest Indian community in the world and placed a particular emphasis on Tamil linkages between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted shared values between India and Malaysia after landing in Kuala Lumpur, emphasising that the relations between the two countries are rising to new heights.

After receiving a warm welcome in Kuala Lumpur, PM Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim shared a car ride on their way to a major diaspora programme. The reception, titled ‘Selamat Datang Modi Ji’, is expected to draw thousands of members of the Indian diaspora, one of the largest overseas communities in Malaysia, and showcases the deep cultural ties between the two nations.

Addressing the event in English, PM Modi said, “Malaysia has the second largest Indian origin community in the world. There is so much that connects Indian and Malaysian hearts… You are the living bridge that links us. You have connected Roti Canai with Malabar Parotta. Coconut, spices, and of course, Teh tarik. The flavours seem so familiar, whether it is in Kuala Lumpur or Kochi."

He also thanked Anwar Ibrahim for a warm welcome and for joining the community celebration, saying his special gesture of a car ride reflects his love and respect for Indians. “Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and I have been friends even before he became Prime Minister. I command his focus on reforms," he said.

In a light-hearted moment, PM Modi also mentioned that Ibrahim was a good singer, highlighting a recent viral video of him singing an old Indian song. “It is wonderful that he also loves Tamil songs of the legendary MGR."

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“This is my first foreign visit in 2026. And I’m delighted to be with you during this festive times. I hope everyone celebrated Sankranti, Pongal and Thaipusam with great joy," he added.

Focus On Tamil Culture

Prime Minister Modi lauded the diaspora for preserving Indian traditions over centuries, including teaching children in Indian languages. “The members of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia are serving the society in various fields. In fact, the Tamil diaspora has been here for many centuries. Inspired by this history, we are proud to have established the Thiruvalluvar Chair in the University of Malaya," he said.

Modi also called Tamil India’s link to the world, adding that Tamil literature is eternal and Tamil culture is global. He also recalled that Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Union Ministers S Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman and L Murugan are also from Tamil Nadu.

He also laid out India’s accomplishments in securing trade deals with several countries and becoming the third-largest start-up hub in the world. “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.

“India’s success is Malaysia’s success, it is Asia’s success. That is why I say the guiding word of our relationship is IMPACT. IMPACT means India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation," he further mentioned.

Modi is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia at Anwar’s invitation, aimed at further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership elevated between the two countries in 2024. Modi’s third visit to Malaysia focuses on enhancing cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, defence, security, technology and innovation, as well as deepening engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

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