PM Modi Highlights Tamil Heritage as a Strong Link Between India and Malaysia

On Sunday, PM Modi oversaw the signing of important agreements between India and Malaysia, fulfilling a promise made last year. He emphasized the two countries’ cultural ties, especially their “shared love for the Tamil language,” as both sides increased efforts to strengthen cultural, economic, and strategic cooperation.

In a joint press statement with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim following the signing of joint agreements between the two countries, PM Modi stated that the vibrant role of Tamil in Malaysia’s schools, media, and cultural activities demonstrated the long-lasting bonds between their peoples.

PM Modi stated

“A shared love of the Tamil language ties India with Malaysia. Tamil has a substantial and enduring presence in Malaysia’s education, media, and culture. I am convinced that with today’s Audio Visual Agreement, cinema and music, particularly Tamil films, will bring our hearts closer together,” PM Modi stated.

Reflecting on his past commitment, PM Modi stated that, despite missing the ASEAN Summit the previous year, he had promised his counterpart that he would return shortly. “Last year, I was unable to attend the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, but I promised a great friend that I would visit as soon as possible. I’ve chosen Malaysia as my destination for my 2026 international tour.”

During PM Modi’s two-day official visit, the two leaders held detailed conversations, marking a significant step forward in the two nations’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

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Following delegation-level talks with Anwar, Prime Minister Modi proposed increased engagement in critical security areas. “In the security sector, we will enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and marine security. “We will also broaden our defence cooperation,” he added.

On the economic front, PM Modi highlighted new potential emerging from the day’s CEO roundtable. “The CEO forum held today has created new chances for trade and investment. We will create a road to economic change through strategic trust.”

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim praised India’s rapid economic growth and advocated for further collaboration beyond existing trade levels. “India is growing by leaps and bounds, which is one spectacular rise in the international economic trade scene,” Anwar told reporters.

He also mentioned potential inside the ASEAN framework, saying, “We certainly benefit immensely if we could secure more ways and opportunities to collaborate with India, extending beyond the $18.59 billion that we achieved in 2025.” Anwar praised the change toward using local currencies in bilateral transactions, calling it a “remarkable feat”.

Anwar stated

Anwar stated that many Malaysians had studied in India, and that an increasing number of Indian students are selecting Malaysia. “Under the premiership of my good friend Prime Minister Modi, you have seen spectacular recognition of Indian centres of excellence in education,” he added. He further stated, “We would certainly explore increasing the number of students in various disciplines to study in India.”

The day began with a private conversation between PM Modi and Anwar Ibrahim, followed by larger delegation discussions at Perdana Putra. This came after PM Modi was given a formal greeting and a Guard of Honour at the venue.

The formalities came after PM Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, where Anwar Ibrahim personally received him at the airport. Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister Ramanan Ramakrishnan and Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni were also in attendance. The arrival was marked by a red carpet celebration, as well as traditional music and dance performances that highlighted the shared cultural history.

Following the official festivities, the two leaders met with the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur.

PM Modi expressed his feelings on X, saying

PM Modi expressed his feelings on X, saying, “I was deeply moved by the kind reception offered by my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the airport. I look forward to our conversations and the opportunity to enhance the friendship between India and Malaysia.”

He subsequently added, “We’re celebrating the people-to-people connection between India and Malaysia! PM Anwar Ibrahim and I are on our way to a community programme in Kuala Lumpur.”

PM Modi described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in critical sectors. “The historic ties between India and Malaysia have seen steadfast progress in recent years,” added the minister.

PM Modi emphasized that India and Malaysia have a “special relationship” based on history, culture, and strong people-to-people ties, with the collaboration expected to develop traction in defense, innovation, and economic areas.

This was PM Modi’s third visit to Malaysia, and the first since the bilateral relationship was upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024.

Longstanding relations between India and Malaysia are impacted by common history, civilization, and culture, and are supported by Malaysia’s Indian-origin population of over 2.9 million, making it the world’s third-largest overseas Indian community.