He noted that Malaysia has the second largest Indian origin community in the world, serving as a “living bridge” between the two countries.
File image: Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI video screengrab)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, praising their contribution to the progress of Malaysia and describing them as a “living bridge” connecting India and Malaysia. The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s economic rise, saying that “trust has become India’s strongest currency.”
PM Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Malaysia, also thanked his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, for joining the community program and the special gesture extended to him upon his arrival in the country. In a special gesture, Prime Minister Ibraim had gone to the airport to receive Modi at the airport. The two leaders travelled together to the community centre in Kuala Lumpur in the same car.
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“The warmth of your greeting reflects the beautiful diversity of our shared culture. First of all, I thank my dear friend Anwar Ibrahim for joining the community celebration. I also thank him for his very kind words on the scale and future potential of India-Malaysia friendship in his speech just now. Not just that, he came to the airport to welcome me, and he brought me here in his car. Not only his car but his seat also, this special gesture reflects his love and respect for India and for all of you,” Modi said while addressing the Indian diaspora.
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Modi also recalled his promise to Ibrahim after he could not visit Malaysia for the ASEAN Summit last year. “As promised, I am here. This is my first foreign visit in 2026.”
The Prime Minister praised the “record-breaking” cultural performance to welcome him. “We have just seen a record-setting cultural performance. 800 dancers in perfect harmony. This performance will be remembered by our people for years to come. I congratulate all the performers.”
He noted that Malaysia has the second largest Indian origin community in the world, serving as a “living bridge” between the two countries. “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. We understand each other so well. It must be due to the large number of common words between ur languages and Malay. I have heard that Indian music and movies are popular in Malaysia. You all know that PM Anwar Ibrahim sings very well. But many Indians back home did not know it. During his last visit, they were pleasantly surprised. Videos of him singing an old Hindi song in India went viral. It is also wonderful that he loves the Tamil songs of the legendary MGR.”
‘Trust has become India’s strongest currency’: Modi on India’s economic rise
Modi further emphasized the economic rise of India. Citing the example of recent trade deals, New Delhi has signed with several countries, Modi said, “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. Whether it is the UK. UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the EU, or the USA. Countries have trade deals with India…Trust has become India’s strongest currency.”
Recalling the emotional connection the Indian community members share with India, Modi said that his government took a historic decision just a few months ago to extend the OCI Card to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin.
“India will always embrace you with open arms. That is why we made a historic decision just a few months ago. We extended the OCI Card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the sixth generation. We have been supporting the Indian Scholarship Trust Fund. We will also award the Thiruvalluvar Scholarship to students studying in India. We look forward to seeing you in the ‘Know India’ programme,” he added.
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