India’s PM Modi declares Indian-origin community as key to India-Malaysia partnership

Modi thanked his friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, for joining the community celebration, noting that Anwar personally welcomed him at the airport and drove him to the event.

“These special gestures reflected Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s love and respect for India and the people present,” Modi said while addressing the event just hours after landing in Malaysia for a 

The Prime Minister praised a record-setting cultural performance featuring more than 800 dancers performing in perfect harmony, congratulating all performers and noting that the event would be remembered for years to come.

Modi recalled his longstanding friendship with Anwar Ibrahim, which began before Anwar became Prime Minister, and commended his focus on reforms, intellect, and leadership as ASEAN Chair in 2025. He also mentioned that this visit fulfilled his promise to Malaysia after missing last year’s ASEAN Summit.

“This is my first foreign visit in 2026, and I am delighted to be with the community during this festive period,” Modi said.

He extended greetings for Sankranti, Pongal, Thaipusam, and upcoming festivals including Shivaratri, Ramzan, and Hari Raya, wishing everyone happiness and good health.

Modi highlighted that Malaysia hosts the world’s second-largest Indian-origin community, noting strong cultural and culinary connections between the two countries. He referred to dishes like Roti Canai and Malabar Parotta, and drinks such as Teh Tarik, as examples of shared heritage, and praised Malaysia’s familiarity with Indian movies and music.

He also acknowledged Anwar Ibrahim’s appreciation for Tamil songs of the legendary MGR, noting the deep cultural ties between India and the Indian-origin community in Malaysia.

Reflecting on historical contributions, Modi expressed gratitude for the community’s support during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and their sacrifices in India’s struggle for independence, including service in Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army. In honor of Netaji, the Indian Cultural Centre in Malaysia has been renamed after him. Modi also saluted the efforts of the Netaji Service Centre and the Netaji Welfare Foundation.

Modi emphasized the community’s preservation of traditions over centuries and highlighted educational initiatives, noting that over 500 schools in Malaysia teach children in Indian languages. He praised the influence of saints such as Thiruvalluvar and Swami Vivekananda, and compared Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves with those in Palani, India.

He noted the popularity of Garba and Sikh cultural traditions in Malaysia and reaffirmed Tamil as India’s gift to the world, highlighting Tamil literature, culture, and contributions of Tamil individuals in Indian governance and society. Modi also mentioned the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya and announced plans for a Thiruvalluvar Centre to strengthen shared heritage.

On bilateral relations, Modi said that India-Malaysia ties are scaling new heights, recalling Anwar Ibrahim’s 2024 visit to New Delhi, which elevated the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

“The guiding word of our partnership is IMPACT—India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation. Our collaboration benefits both nations and humanity at large,” Modi stated.

He highlighted India’s contributions to Malaysia, including the creation of Malaysia’s first and Asia’s largest insulin manufacturing facility, the presence of over 100 Indian IT companies generating thousands of jobs, and the Malaysia-India Digital Council fostering digital collaboration. Modi also announced that India’s UPI system will soon be launched in Malaysia.