Says “Focus is on People-to-People Ties, Economic Engagement”
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the guiding word of India-Malaysia relationship is IMPACT, which stands for India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation. Mr Modi said this while addressing Indian Diaspora at a community event titled Selamat Datang Modi Ji’ in Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia and the Day One of visit concluded with a strong emphasis on people-to-people ties, personal diplomacy, and a forward-looking bilateral partnership. This is Mr Modi’s first visit to Malaysia since the two sides elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.
The centrepiece of the first day was the large diaspora event, where around 15,000 members of the Indian community gathered to give the Prime Minister a rousing welcome. The event was jointly addressed by Prime Minister Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, reflecting the growing warmth and trust between the two leaders.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi described the Indian diaspora as a “living bridge” connecting India and Malaysia. Recalling his long-standing friendship with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, he said he had fulfilled his promise to visit Malaysia after missing last year’s ASEAN summit.
Mr Modi also said India and Malaysia now move forward together, celebrating each other’s successes. He also underlined that India is today seen as a trusted partner for growth. He pointed out that countries across regions including the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the European Union and the United States, have entered into trade agreements with India. He said that Trust has become India’s strongest currency.
PM Modi also highlighted expanding economic engagement between India and Malaysia, noting that over 100 Indian IT companies are operating in Malaysia, creating thousands of jobs. He announced that India’s digital payments platform UPI will be launched in Malaysia soon, strengthening fintech cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted India’s domestic transformation highlighting its rise as the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer, the sharp increase in defence exports, and the growth of one of the world’s largest fintech ecosystems.
The Prime Minister also announced several diaspora-focused initiatives, including the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card facilities up to the sixth generation, the introduction of the Thiruvalluvar Scholarship for students studying in India, and plans to open a new Indian consulate in Malaysia.
The first day of the visit concluded on a positive and forward-looking note, setting the stage for delegation-level talks and bilateral meetings on Day Two, during which the two sides are expected to review the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and sign several memoranda of understanding.
