Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (February 7, 2026) mentioned India is seen as a “trusted companion for progress” and it was mirrored within the current commerce offers it has agreed with varied international locations, together with the UK, USA and EU.
Addressing a group programme in Kuala Lumpur, Mr. Modi additionally mentioned that the Indian diaspora continues to function a powerful bridge between India and Malaysia.
Referring to the commerce offers India agreed with varied international locations, the Prime Minister mentioned India is seen as a “trusted companion for progress”.
“Belief has change into India’s strongest foreign money,” Mr. Modi mentioned, citing commerce offers with the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the EU and the U.S.
Mr. Modi additionally mentioned each India and Malaysia know one another very effectively and it should be as a consequence of 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 mentioned.
How India and the U.S. reached a commerce deal: A timeline
Mr. Modi mentioned he was very delighted to be in Malaysia which is his first international go to in 2026.
He mentioned Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who was current on the occasion, and he have been associates even earlier than Mr. Ibrahim grew to become Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister mentioned the members of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia are serving the society in varied fields.
Additionally Learn |U.S. to take away extra 25% obligation on Indian items from February 7
“In truth, 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 mentioned.
Mr. Modi mentioned Malaysia has the second-largest Indian-origin group on the planet and there’s a lot that connects Indian and Malaysian hearts.
“I shared with 1.4 billion Indians throughout my Mann Ki Baat radio deal with lately how over 500 colleges in Malaysia educate kids in Indian languages,” he mentioned.
He additionally mentioned 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 mentioned.
Mr. Modi additionally requested Indians and other people of Indian origin to journey and expertise India.
“You should additionally carry your Malay associates with you. As a result of people-to-people contact is the cornerstone of our friendship,” he mentioned.
Earlier, Mr. Modi and his Malaysian counterpart obtained 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.
Additionally Learn |Finish in sight: On the U.S.-India commerce deal, America’s tariffs
An announcement was made that the dance efficiency had entered the Malaysian E-book of Data for essentially the most variety of performers in an Indian dance efficiency.
“I’m personally excited to have an incredible pal 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’s not solely items that transfer between us, however in 2025 over 1.5 million Indian guests got here to Malaysia,” Mr. Ibrahim mentioned.
“I’m proud to be a private pal of Modi ji and India,” the Malaysian Prime Minister mentioned.
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 pal, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the airport. I look ahead to our conversations and to additional strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia,” Mr. Modi mentioned on social media.
Revealed – February 07, 2026 06:26 pm IST
