Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday began his two-day visit to Malaysia by warmly connecting with the Indian community living in the country, calling them a “living bridge” that brings India and Malaysia closer not just politically, but emotionally and culturally as well.
Addressing a large gathering of the Indian diaspora, PM Modi said that the people of Indian origin in Malaysia have played a vital role in strengthening the bond between the two nations over decades. He highlighted that Malaysia is home to one of the largest Indian-origin populations in the world, and this shared heritage continues to shape strong people-to-people ties.
The Prime Minister spoke about how food, language, and traditions have naturally blended between the two countries. Referring to popular dishes, he said Indian and Malaysian cuisines feel closely connected, with familiar flavours found in both countries. From coconut and spices to tea culture, he pointed out how everyday habits reflect a shared history.
PM Modi also noted that language has helped strengthen understanding between the two societies. He said many words in Indian languages and the Malay language sound similar, making communication easier and cultural exchange deeper. According to him, this shared linguistic and cultural space helps people from both nations relate to each other naturally.
Speaking about cultural influence, the Prime Minister said Indian music and cinema enjoy wide popularity in Malaysia. He also mentioned Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s fondness for Indian songs, which had earlier surprised many people in India. PM Modi recalled how videos of Anwar Ibrahim singing a Hindi song during a previous visit had gone viral and were warmly received by the Indian public. He also appreciated the Malaysian Prime Minister’s admiration for Tamil cinema and legendary actor MGR, calling it a symbol of cultural closeness.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived in Malaysia and was personally received at the airport by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who welcomed him with a warm embrace. The moment reflected the strong personal rapport between the two leaders.
