Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Malaysia unfolded as a powerful blend of cultural celebration, diaspora engagement, and forward looking announcements that reinforced the growing depth of India-Malaysia relations. From a record-setting cultural welcome at Kuala Lumpur’s MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) to major policy announcements benefiting the Indian diaspora, the visit underscored the importance of people-to-people ties at the heart of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Here’s a detailed look at the key highlights and announcements from the Prime Minister’s visit.
A Grand Welcome by the Indian Diaspora at MINES
Prime Minister Modi addressed the Indian diaspora at a large community reception in Kuala Lumpur, where he received a rousing and emotional welcome. The event opened with a spectacular cultural performance that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the visit.
Around 800 dancers, under the banner of the Indian Community Cultural Committee, performed a single, continuous five-minute choreographer piece showcasing a wide range of Indian classical and folk dance forms. Organized by the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Indian Cultural Centre (NSCBICC), the performance was officially certified by the Malaysian book of records as “The Largest number of dancers in a single choreographed dance representing a wide variety of Indian classical and folk dance forms performed by the Indian diaspora”.
The record-setting performance took place in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and Malaysia Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who joined him at the event as a special gesture of friendship.
Malaysia Book of Records CEO Christopher Wong praised the scale and coordination involved, noting that bringing together 800 dancers in perfect synchronisation was no easy feat. Prime Minister Modi, in his address, congratulated the performers, calling the performance a moment that would be remembered for years to come.
Acknowledging the Indian Diaspora’s Role in Malaysia
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the colorful welcome and thanked Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his gracious presence and warm remarks. He paid tribute to the Indian diaspora’s contribution to Malaysia’s progress and prosperity, highlighting their role as a living bridge between the two nations.
Malaysia is home to over 2.9 million people of Indian Origin, making it the third-largest Indian diaspora in the world. Reiterating India’s steadfast commitment to their welfare, the Prime Minister emphasized strengthening people-to-people ties as a cornerstone of India-Malaysia relations.
He also highlighted the recognition of Diwali as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, describing it as a reflection of the shared cultural values, diversity, and civilization links between India and Malaysia.
Remembering History and Shared Struggles
Recalling the historical presence of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) in Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi paid respect to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, acknowledging the region’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
He described the evolving bilateral relationship as IMPACT, India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation, and urged the diaspora to contribute actively toward the visions of Viksit Bharat, and Malaysia Madani.
India’s Growth Story and Digital Future
Highlighting India’s rapid transformation over the last decade, Prime Minister Modi spoke about major strides in economic development, next-generation infrastructure, green growth, solar energy, digital public infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
He underlined that India has risen from being the 11th largest economy to the 4th largest globally, with expectations of becoming the 3rd largest economy in the near future.
One of the most anticipated announcements was related to digital payments. The Prime Minister revealed that UPI-based payment facilities will soon be available in Malaysia, a move expected to significantly boost tourism, business, and everyday convenience between the two countries. He also noted that 50% of all global real-time digital payments currently take place in India, highlighting the success of India’s fintech revolution.
Cultural Diplomacy: Thiruvalluvar Centre and Scholarships
As a tribute to the shared cultural and literacy heritage between India and Malaysia, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of a dedicated Thiruvalluvar Centre at Universiti Malaya in Kuala Lumpur.
This builds on an earlier initiative announced in August 2024, following which a Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies was created at the university. In addition, the Prime Minister introduced Thiruvalluvar Scholarships to facilitate academic exchanges and enable Malaysian students to pursue studies in India.
The centre and scholarship programe aim to promote the timeless teaching of Thiruvalluvar, while strengthening scholarly collaboration in Indian philosophy, Tamil language, and cultural studies between the two nations.
India to Open It’s First Consulate in Malaysia
One of the most significant announcements of the visit was India’s decision to open it’s first Consulate in Malaysia. The announcement was met with applause and widespread appreciation from the Indian community present.
The new consulate is expected to enhance India’s outreach to the diaspora, streamline consular service, and further strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Malaysia.
Expanded OCI Benefits and Welfare Initiatives
Prime Minister Modi also highlighted the Union government’s historic decision to extend Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card eligibility to the sixth generation of Malaysian citizens of Indian origin, a move that has brought immense joy to the diaspora.
In addition, he noted key welfare initiatives, including the replenishment of the Indian Scholarship Trust Fund (ISTF) with RM3 Million, aimed at supporting Malaysian-Indian Students.
Celebrating Diaspora History and Heritage
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also toured a Person of Indian Origin (PIO) History and Heritage Exhibition, curated to showcase the resilience, contributions, and journey of the Indian community in Malaysia across generations.
The Prime Minister lauded the community’s efforts in presenting the exhibition, calling it an inspiring tribute to shared history. The Ministry of External Affairs later noted that historical bonds continue to form the foundation of India-Malaysia friendship
Strengthening a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Modi’s Malaysia visit concluded with a clear message: that India-Malaysia ties are rooted not only in diplomacy and trade, but in shared history, culture, and people-to-open connections.
With record-breaking cultural milestones, forward-looking digital initiatives, and major diaspora-focused announcements, the visit marked a significant step in further strengthening the Indian-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across economic, cultural and human dimensions.
Sources: Ministry of External Affairs, AniNews, Indian Economic Observer, RTM
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