Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (February 7, 2026) stated India is seen as a “trusted companion for development” and it was mirrored within the latest commerce offers it has agreed with numerous nations, together with the UK, USA and EU.
Addressing a neighborhood programme in Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Modi additionally stated that the Indian diaspora continues to function a powerful bridge between India and Malaysia.
Referring to the commerce offers India agreed with numerous nations, the Prime Minister stated India is seen as a “trusted companion for development”.
“Belief has grow to be India’s strongest forex,” Mr. Modi stated, citing commerce offers with the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the EU and the U.S.
Mr. Modi additionally stated each India and Malaysia know one another very properly and it have to be resulting from a lot of widespread phrases between Indian languages and Malay.
“I’m grateful for the heat of the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur. Our diaspora continues to function a powerful bridge between India and Malaysia,” he stated.
Mr. Modi stated he was very delighted to be in Malaysia which is his first international go to in 2026.
He stated Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was current on the occasion, and he have been buddies even earlier than Mr. Ibrahim grew to become Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister stated the members of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia are serving the society in numerous fields.
“Actually, the Tamil diaspora has been right here for a lot of centuries. Impressed by this historical past, we’re proud to have established the Thiruvalluvar Chair within the College of Malaya. We are going to now arrange a Thiruvalluvar Centre to additional strengthen our shared heritage,” he stated.
Mr. Modi stated Malaysia has the second-largest Indian-origin neighborhood on the earth and there may be a lot that connects Indian and Malaysian hearts.
“I shared with 1.4 billion Indians throughout my Mann Ki Baat radio tackle just lately how over 500 faculties in Malaysia train youngsters in Indian languages,” he stated.
He additionally stated that “India’s success is Malaysia’s success, and it’s Asia’s success”.
“That’s the reason I say the guiding phrase of our relationship is IMPACT. IMPACT means India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation,” he stated.
Mr. Modi additionally requested Indians and folks of Indian origin to journey and expertise India.
“You have to additionally carry your Malay buddies with you. As a result of people-to-people contact is the cornerstone of our friendship,” he stated.
Earlier, Mr. Modi and his Malaysian counterpart acquired a rousing welcome on the occasion.
Over 800 dancers showcased a tapestry of Indian classical and folks dances, together with Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Yakshagana, Lavani and Odisi.
An announcement was made that the dance efficiency had entered the Malaysian Ebook of Data for essentially the most variety of performers in an Indian dance efficiency.
“I’m personally excited to have an ideal good friend from India becoming a member of us in Malaysia,” Mr. Ibrahim advised the gathering.
The Malaysian Prime Minister recalled historic ties between the 2 nations “lengthy earlier than embassies and commerce agreements” got here in vogue.
“India or Bharat is amongst Malaysia’s high buying and selling companions. It isn’t solely items that transfer between us, however in 2025 over 1.5 million Indian guests got here to Malaysia,” Mr. Ibrahim stated.
“I’m proud to be a private good friend of Modi ji and India,” the Malaysian Prime Minister stated.
Mr. Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (February 7, 2026) to a grand red-carpet reception, along with his Malaysian counterpart Mr. Ibrahim receiving him on the airport, signalling a brand new momentum within the bilateral ties.
“Deeply touched by the nice and cozy welcome prolonged by my good friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the airport. I sit up for our conversations and to additional strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia,” Mr. Modi stated on social media.
Revealed – February 07, 2026 06:26 pm IST