Page 55 - English 01-15 March, 2026

People of Indian origin bridge the two nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a community ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, PM Modi said, “I told the
event in Kuala Lumpur. He was welcomed by over 800 whole of India that children are being taught Indian

dancers with a record-breaking cultural performance, languages in more than 500 schools in Malaysia.” PM
filled with rhythm and tempo. Prime Minister Modi said Modi said that Tamil is India’s gift to the world. Tamil
this was his first foreign visit in 2026. He was delighted literature is eternal; Tamil culture is global. Tamil people
to be among the Indian community during this festive have served humanity through their talent.
season. There are many things that connect the hearts More than 100 Indian IT companies are operating
of the people of India and Malaysia. Referring to the in Malaysia, creating thousands of jobs. The Malaysia-
similarities between the two countries, PM Modi said India Digital Council is opening new avenues for digital
that Malaysia’s Roti Canai and India’s Malabar Parotta cooperation. PM Modi announced that India’s UPI
are similar. The taste of coconut, spices, and teh tarik system will soon be launched in Malaysia. PM Modi
is similar in both Kuala Lumpur and Kochi. People of said that India will always welcome its diaspora brothers
both countries understand each other very well. One and sisters with open arms. He highlighted a historic
reason for this is that many words in Indian languages decision that now allows Malaysian citizens of Indian
and Malay are similar. Indian films and music are very origin up to the sixth generation to obtain an OCI
popular in Malaysia. (Overseas Citizen of India) card. A new Indian embassy
People of Indian origin living in Malaysia have will soon open in Malaysia, further strengthening ties
preserved their traditions for centuries. Referring to the between the two countries.

Key Agreements between PM Modi’s meeting with
India and Malaysia business leaders

n Audio-visual co-production Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with four
n Combating and preventing corruption leading industry leaders from Malaysia. During
n United Nations peacekeeping the meeting, he encouraged Malaysian businesses
n Disaster management n Semiconductor sector to take advantage of opportunities available in
n International Big Cats Alliance India, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure,
renewable energy, digital technology, semiconductors,
n Vocational education and training artificial intelligence, and healthcare. The business
n National Security Council Secretariat of India leaders praised the reforms undertaken by the Indian
n Malaysia's National Security Council government towards building a Viksit Bharat and
n Cooperation in the health and medical sector expressed strong confidence in India’s growth story.

CEO Forum. crucial in the fight against terrorism. In this era of
PM Modi said that the true strength of the rela- global instability, it is essential for India and Malaysia,
tionship between the two countries lies in the peo- as maritime neighbours, to realise the full potential
ple-to-people relationship. The nearly three million of their relationship. PM Modi said the underlying
Malaysians of Indian origin are a living bridge between message of this visit is clear: India wants to take our
our countries. The support of friendly countries is relationship with Malaysia to a new level. n

March 1-15, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 53