New Delhi (India) February 7:Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply touched by the warm welcome he received from his “friend” and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim as he began a two-day official visit to Malaysia.
Warm Airport Reception with Cultural Flair
According to a post by the Ministry of External Affairs in X, Prime Minister Modi was personally received at the airport as an honor by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim with senior Malaysian ministers. The MEA said that one of the highlights of this welcoming experience were vibrant cultural performances that reflect the shared heritage of India and Malaysia.
Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi said the visit seeks to deepen defence and security cooperation, build up economic and innovation partnerships and develop cooperation in new sectors and sectors.
He said the visit follows the formalization of India–Malaysia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.
Empowering Tamil Diaspora Through New Initiatives
The Prime Minister said members of the Tamil diaspora in Malaysia were participating in a series of service opportunities.
"In fact, the Tamil diaspora has been here for many centuries. Inspired by this history, we are proud to have established the Thiruvalluvar Chair in the University of Malaya. We will now set up a Thiruvalluvar Centre to further strengthen our shared heritage," he said.
Expanding OCI Cards to Sixth Generation for Diaspora
Emphasizing an initiative specific to the diaspora, Mr Modi said that the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card facility has now been extended to the sixth generation. He pointed to the introduction of the Thiruvalluvar Scholarship for students in India, and the opening of a new Indian consulate in Malaysia.
The Prime Minister further commended the diaspora for helping realise the vision of a prosperous Malaysia — a developed India.
Economic Innovation and New Sector Partnerships
The visit arrives at a moment of great need as India and Malaysia further engage under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevated in 2024. This is Prime Minister Modi’s third official trip to Malaysia, and the first since the consolidation of bilateral ties.
The Prime Minister has made it known that talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will aim to facilitate cooperation on defence and security, economic and innovation linkages, and broadening cooperation in new domains of mutual interest.
Malaysia is a key partner in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision, and the visit is likely to build off the developing multi-dimensional collaboration between the two countries.