New Delhi/Kuala Lumpur, 07 February (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi captivated approximately 12,000 Indian diaspora members and friends at the Selamat Datang Modiji event on Saturday, alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, portraying the community as a vibrant conduit fortifying India-Malaysia bonds through shared heritage and unwavering contributions.
PM Modi extolled Tamil as India's link to the world, affirming its eternal literature and global culture—especially resonant in Malaysia, where three million speakers sustain it as a recognized minority language—while emphasizing the second-largest overseas Indian-origin populace as the pulsating bridge uniting hearts across cuisines like roti canai and Malabar parotta, linguistic synergies, and adoration for Indian cinema and music.
He recounted his longstanding friendship with Ibrahim, who personally welcomed him at the airport and shared a car ride to the MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre, interpreting the gesture as profound love and respect for India, and noted Ibrahim's viral Hindi rendition alongside affinity for Tamil icon MGR's melodies.
Global Trust Elevates India, Festivals Beckon Unity
PM Modi proclaimed trust as India's strongest currency, transitioning from mere market to investment-trade nexus via pacts with the US, EU, UK, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, and Oman; he heralded diaspora initiatives like OCI extensions to sixth-generation Malaysian Indians, Indian Scholarship Trust Fund, Thiruvalluvar Scholarships, and 'Know India' programs.
Extended greetings for impending Shivratri, Ramzan, and Hari Raya underscored seasonal harmony, as Modi—on his first 2026 foreign sojourn and third Malaysian visit since 2015—reaffirmed commitments to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership via Sunday's bilateral talks, CEO Forum, and pacts spanning defense, fintech including UPI-PayNet linkage, and Act East imperatives.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
