PM Modi Highlights Diaspora’s Role, Deepens India–Malaysia Ties in Kuala Lumpur
The Voice of Chandigarh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a large community programme in Kuala Lumpur, expressing gratitude for the warmth of the Indian diaspora and calling it a vital bridge between India and Malaysia. He thanked Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for the warm welcome and praised his leadership, reforms agenda, and ASEAN chairmanship.
Calling Malaysia home to the second-largest Indian-origin community globally, PM Modi highlighted deep cultural connections reflected in shared traditions, languages, food, music, and festivals. He lauded the diaspora for preserving Indian heritage over centuries and recalled mentioning them in Mann Ki Baat, noting that over 500 schools in Malaysia teach Indian languages. He praised the Tamil diaspora’s contribution and announced that after the Thiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya, a Thiruvalluvar Centre will now be established to further strengthen cultural ties.
The Prime Minister recalled the historical contributions of the Malaysian Indian community, including support during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and sacrifices made for India’s freedom, including participation in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army. He highlighted the renaming of the Indian Cultural Centre in Malaysia after Netaji and appreciated community organisations working in his honour.
PM Modi said India–Malaysia relations have reached new heights since being elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. He described the guiding vision of ties as IMPACT – India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation, stressing shared progress and prosperity. He highlighted strong economic cooperation, including Indian investments, over 100 Indian IT companies in Malaysia, digital collaboration, and announced that India’s UPI will soon be available in Malaysia.
Highlighting India’s rapid transformation, PM Modi said India is among the world’s fastest-growing major economies, a global startup hub, and a trusted partner for growth with trade agreements across the world. He encouraged greater people-to-people contact, inviting the diaspora and their Malaysian friends to visit Incredible India.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to its diaspora, the Prime Minister announced expanded OCI eligibility up to the 6th generation, scholarships including upcoming Thiruvalluvar Scholarships, and a new Indian Consulate in Malaysia. He concluded by calling the Pravasi Bharatiya community a key partner in achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047 and a prosperous Malaysia.
