‘Living Bridge Between Two Nations’: PM Modi Hails Indian Diaspora In Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian diaspora in Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. 

The PM has arrived in Malaysia for a two-day visit, where he was received by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the airport, earlier today. A huge contingent from the Indian diaspora in Malaysia was present at the airport to welcome PM Modi. School children holding Indian and Malaysian flags waved them as the PM and the Malaysian Prime Minister walked down the red carpet. The two Prime Ministers were then seen sharing the same car as they drove towards the official hotel.

"India is seen as a trusted partner for growth. Whether it is the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the EU or USA, countries have trade deals with India. Trust has become India’s strongest currency," said PM Modi while addressing the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur.

‘India’s success is Malaysia's success'

Addressing the Indian diasporic community, PM Modi said, “India's success is Malaysia's success, it is Asia's success. Hence, the guiding word of our relationship is IMPACT- India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation. ” He also invited the community to visit different parts of India. 

“In the last few years, India has seen unprecedented growth in infrastructure and connectivity. The number of our airports has doubled in a decade. Highways are being built at a high pace. Trains like Vande Bharat are getting international acclaim. I encourage all of you to experience Incredible India. You must bring also your Malay friends with you. Because people-to-people contact is the cornerstone of our friendship,” the PM added. 

"In one decade India has seen massive transformation, the PM alleged. The PM also said that India's UPI system would soon be rendered operational in Malaysia. 

"Recently, I spoke in my monthly radio conversation, Mann Ki Baat, about you. I shared with 1.4 billion Indians how over 500 schools in Malaysia teach children in Indian languages," the PM said in his address. 

Tamil Diaspora in Malaysia

The PM also mentioned the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia in his speech. "In fact, the Tamil diaspora has been here for many centuries. Inspired by this history, we are proud to have established the Thiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya. We will now set up a Thiruvalluvar Centre to further strengthen our shared heritage," he said.

“Our relationship with Malaysia is reaching new heights every year, ” he said.  “We have people from all parts of India here. The threads of cultural unity bind us strongly,” he added.

"I am also eager to meet the Indian community in Malaysia. Numbering nearly three million, they represent one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world. Their immense contribution to Malaysia's progress and their role as a living bridge between our two nations provide a strong foundation to our historic friendship," the PM had said earlier today.

The PM would be in Malaysia from February 7-8, to hold bilateral talks with Anwar Ibrahim. This marks PM Modi's third visit to Malaysia and the first since bilateral relations were elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in August 2024, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.