PM Modi Says Trust Is India’s Biggest Strength During Malaysia Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is globally recognised as a “trusted partner for growth,” citing recent trade agreements with the United States, the United Kingdom and what he described as the “mother of all deals” with the European Union.

PM Modi made the remarks in Kuala Lumpur, where he arrived for a two-day visit to Malaysia, his first foreign trip of 2026.

Addressing a community programme, the prime minister said trust had become India’s “strongest currency” and highlighted New Delhi’s expanding economic partnerships. He also underlined the role of the Indian diaspora as a “living bridge” between India and Malaysia, and announced the establishment of a new Indian consulate in the country.

Nearly three million people of Indian origin live in Malaysia, making it one of the largest Indian diasporas in the world, with a majority tracing their roots to Tamil Nadu.

During his speech, PM Modi praised Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s interest in music and noted his fondness for Tamil songs of legendary actor-politician M G Ramachandran.

Calling Tamil “India’s gift to the world,” Modi said the language and its literature were eternal and globally relevant. He cited Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Union Ministers S Jaishankar and Nirmala Sitharaman as examples of Tamil leaders who have “served humanity with their talents.”

He also announced plans to set up a Tiruvalluvar Centre in Malaysia, building on the existing Tiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya, to further strengthen cultural ties.

Describing his long-standing friendship with Anwar Ibrahim, Modi said their relationship predates Ibrahim’s tenure as prime minister. He also highlighted ‘IMPACT’ — India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation — as a guiding framework for bilateral relations.

The prime minister received a warm welcome on arrival, with more than 800 performers presenting Indian classical and folk dances. Modi and Ibrahim later travelled together to the venue amid chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi.”

Speaking at the event, Anwar Ibrahim said India remains among Malaysia’s top trading partners. He noted that more than 1.5 million Indian tourists visited Malaysia in 2025, reflecting strong people-to-people ties.

This is Modi’s third visit to Malaysia and his first since India and Malaysia upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.