Kuala Lumpur, 8th Feb: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke to the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur, describing them as a “living bridge” between India and Malaysia. He emphasized the strong cultural, historical, and economic ties that link the two nations.
He greeted the audience in several Indian languages, expressing gratitude to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for his warm welcome. Modi noted that the Indian population in Malaysia is one of the largest outside India, and their contributions have deeply enriched both countries. He highlighted their support during past challenges, like the Gujarat earthquake, and acknowledged their involvement in India’s freedom struggle through the Indian National Army led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Modi celebrated the rich cultural connections, mentioning the popularity of Indian languages, music, films, and festivals in Malaysia. Over 500 schools in Malaysia teach Indian languages, showcasing the diaspora’s effort to preserve their heritage.
In 2024, India and Malaysia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This marks a new phase in cooperation, dubbed the “IMPACT” framework—India-Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation. Modi announced the launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Malaysia and highlighted that over 100 Indian IT companies are already making significant contributions to the local economy, creating thousands of jobs.
India’s economic evolution is noteworthy. In just a decade, it rose from being the 11th largest economy to close to the top three. Modi highlighted achievements in digital payments, renewable energy, and startups, stating that trust is now India’s strongest global currency.
Modi also extended the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the sixth generation. New scholarships and cultural programs are set to foster deeper ties.
The Prime Minister encouraged the diaspora to join in India’s ambitious plan to become a developed nation by 2047. He believes that the contributions of overseas Indians will be instrumental in reaching this goal. In a recent survey, more than 70% of Indian expatriates expressed a desire to support India’s growth, indicating a strong connection despite being far from home.
As the two nations look towards a shared future, the role of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia remains vital. Their ongoing contributions help strengthen the bond between India and Malaysia, paving the way for prosperity on both sides.
For more on India’s economic growth and its partnerships, check out this [report](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/12/12/india-aims-for-long-term-sustainable-growth).
