Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Praises Friendship with PM Modi in Kuala Lumpur

Historical & Cultural Bonds

• 💡 Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his personal excitement and friendship with Indian Prime Minister Modi, highlighting the deep connection between their nations.
• 📜 The relationship between India and Malaysia spans 2,000 years, rooted in ancient maritime trade, with traders, scholars, and sailors crossing the Indian Ocean.
• 🌊 The Bali Yatra in India commemorates ancient seafarers who brought spices, textiles, and goods from India to the Malay Peninsula, guided by monsoon winds.

Indian Community's Role

• 🌱 Indians migrated to Malaysia in large numbers to work in plantations, build infrastructure like railways and ports, and staff essential services.
• 🏗️ The Indian community was an integral partner in Malaysia's nation-building, contributing to its economy alongside Malay and Chinese neighbors.
• 🎭 Indian heritage is deeply woven into Malaysian life, visible in Little India districts, performing arts like Bharatanatyam, music, cinema, and food, with Diwali celebrated by all Malaysians.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• 📈 Since Malaysia's independence in 1957, relations have expanded, gaining renewed momentum in economic cooperation, digital engagement, and movement of people.
• 🤝 India's Act East Policy positions ASEAN as a primary pillar, with Malaysia proudly participating in this framework.
• 📊 Bilateral trade reached almost $19 billion in 2025, making India one of Malaysia's top trading partners and Malaysia a leading partner for India in ASEAN.

Economic & Digital Cooperation

• ✈️ Over 1.5 million Indian visitors came to Malaysia in 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, boosting tourism and cultural exchange.
• 🚀 Cooperation is deepening in future-defining frontiers such as semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, digital finance, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
• 💳 The Malaysia India Digital Council and the linkage between India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Malaysia's DuitNow will simplify cross-border payments for various stakeholders.

Global Leadership & Future Vision

• 🗣️ In uncertain global times, Malaysia and India aim to be voices for dialogue over confrontation and cooperation over narrow self-interest.
• ✅ Both leaders are committed to deepening cooperation in trade, technology, education, and culture to improve the lives of ordinary people.