India a Trusted Partner for Global Growth, Says PM Modi, Highlights IMPACT Vision for India–Malaysia Ties

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 2026 : Emphasising India’s growing stature in the global economic order, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that trust has emerged as India’s strongest currency, with countries across regions increasingly viewing India as a reliable partner for growth. Addressing the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur shortly after arriving in Malaysia on a two-day visit, the Prime Minister highlighted a series of trade agreements signed by India with major global economies as evidence of this confidence.

“India is seen as a trusted partner for growth. Whether it is the UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Oman, the European Union or the United States, countries have trade deals with India. Trust has become India’s strongest currency,” PM Modi said, drawing applause from the packed gathering.

The event was attended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, underscoring the warmth and depth of bilateral relations. In a symbolic display of camaraderie, both leaders travelled together in the same car from the airport to the venue, sending a strong message of friendship and mutual respect.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated that the guiding principle of India–Malaysia relations is “IMPACT”, an acronym he described as India–Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation. Stressing the interconnected destinies of the two nations, he said India’s progress directly contributes to Malaysia’s and Asia’s broader success.

“India’s success is Malaysia’s success, it is Asia’s success. That is why I say the guiding word of our relationship is IMPACT,” he said, adding that cooperation between the two countries is aimed at delivering tangible benefits for their people.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a warm and special welcome on his arrival in Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim personally received him at the airport, accompanied by Malaysian Minister of Human Resources Ramanan Ramakrishnan and Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni. The reception was followed by a colourful cultural welcome programme reflecting the shared heritage and deep civilisational links between India and Malaysia.

The visit is expected to further consolidate the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that was established in 2024. Officials said the trip reflects India’s strong commitment to strengthening ties with Malaysia, a key partner under New Delhi’s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific vision and Vision MAHASAGAR, which focuses on security and growth across maritime regions.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit on February 7–8 is at the invitation of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and marks his third visit to Malaysia since 2015, underlining the continuity and momentum in bilateral engagement.

Addressing the diaspora, PM Modi highlighted the significant role played by the Indian-origin community in Malaysia, which is the second-largest of its kind in the world. He described the diaspora as a vital bridge that has consistently strengthened people-to-people ties between the two nations.

“Recently, I spoke in my monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat about you. I shared with 1.4 billion Indians how over 500 schools in Malaysia teach children in Indian languages,” he said, praising the community for preserving linguistic and cultural traditions over generations.

The Prime Minister noted that there is much that binds Indian and Malaysian societies, calling the cultural and emotional connections between the two countries deep and enduring. He lauded the Indian community for safeguarding traditions while also contributing actively to Malaysia’s social and economic development.

“It is remarkable the way you have preserved traditions over centuries,” PM Modi said, acknowledging the community’s commitment to its roots.

He also made special mention of the Tamil diaspora, noting its centuries-old presence in Malaysia and its contributions across sectors such as education, business, culture and public service. Drawing inspiration from this shared heritage, PM Modi said India had established the Thiruvalluvar Chair at the University of Malaya.

“We will now set up a Thiruvalluvar Centre to further strengthen our shared heritage,” he announced, describing it as another step towards deepening cultural and academic cooperation.

Inviting members of the diaspora to reconnect with their roots, the Prime Minister encouraged them to travel across India and experience its transformation firsthand.

“I invite you all to visit different parts of India. You must also bring your Malay friends with you. Because people-to-people contact is the cornerstone of our friendship,” he said.

The address reflected both confidence in India’s global role and optimism about the future of India–Malaysia relations, rooted in trust, shared values and collective progress.

Team Maverick.