PM Modi on India-Malaysia Ties: UPI, OCI, and Cultural Bonds

Strengthening India-Malaysia Partnership

• 🤝 Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for PM Anwar Ibrahim's warm welcome and emphasized the deep, enduring friendship between the two nations and their leaders.
• 🚀 The relationship has gained renewed momentum in economic cooperation, digital engagement, and the movement of people and ideas, aligning with India's Act East Policy.
• 🌍 Both leaders committed to deepening cooperation in trade, technology, education, and culture, aiming to make a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary people.

Advancing Digital & Economic Ties

• 💸 India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will soon be launched in Malaysia, simplifying cross-border payments for businesses and students.
• 💡 The Malaysia India Digital Council reflects shared ambitions in areas like digital finance, AI, and cybersecurity, leveraging India's capabilities and Malaysia's established electronics ecosystem.
• 📈 Bilateral trade reached nearly $19 billion in 2025, with Malaysia being one of India's leading partners in ASEAN, and India a top trading partner for Malaysia.

Empowering the Indian Diaspora

• 🌉 The Indian-origin community in Malaysia was hailed as a "living bridge" that has significantly contributed to Malaysia's nation-building and preserved shared traditions.
• ✅ OCI card eligibility has been extended to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the sixth generation, a historic decision to embrace the diaspora.
• 📚 A Thiruvalluvar Scholarship will be introduced for students to study in India, and a Thiruvalluvar Center will be established to strengthen shared heritage.

India's Transformative Growth

• 🇮🇳 India has transformed from the 11th largest economy to knocking on the doors of the top three, becoming the world's fastest-growing major economy.
• 📱 The country is now the world's second-largest mobile manufacturer and the third-largest startup hub, with defense exports increasing significantly.
• 🌐 India has built the world's largest digital public infrastructure and fintech ecosystem, with nearly half of global real-time digital transactions happening on its UPI platform.

Celebrating Shared Culture

• 🎶 Indian music and cinema are popular in Malaysia, with PM Anwar Ibrahim himself known for singing Hindi and Tamil songs, including those by MGR.
• 📚 Over 500 schools in Malaysia teach children in Indian languages, and the influence of great saints like Thiruvalluvar and Swami Vivekananda is deeply felt.
• 🎊 Festivals like Diwali and Thaipusam are celebrated by all Malaysians, showcasing the vibrant cultural fusion of Indian, Malay, Chinese, and indigenous traditions.