New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded the Indian-origin community in Malaysia, describing it as a “living bridge” that connects the hearts, cultures and traditions of the two countries, while addressing a large diaspora gathering in Kuala Lumpur. He said this attending a large diaspora event, Selamat Datang Modiji , where around 800 dancers attempted a Malaysia Book of Records entry.

Celebrating shared culture

Speaking at the event, PM Modi praised a record-setting cultural performance that featured 800 dancers performing in perfect harmony, calling it a moment that would be remembered for years. He congratulated all the performers for showcasing the richness of Indian culture on a global stage.

Highlighting the depth of people-to-people ties, the prime minister said Malaysia is home to the second-largest Indian-origin community in the world and noted that everyday cultural connections make the bond especially strong. He pointed to shared food traditions, saying the link between Roti Canai and Malabar Parotta, along with familiar flavours of coconut, spices and Teh Tarik, reflects how closely the two societies are intertwined.

Music, movies and language

He said the cultural familiarity is felt equally in cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Kochi and added that linguistic similarities between Indian languages and Malay help people understand each other more easily. He also noted the popularity of Indian music and cinema in Malaysia, calling it another thread that binds the two countries.

Referring to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, PM Modi said many Indians back home were pleasantly surprised during Anwar’s last visit to India when videos of him singing an old Hindi song went viral. He also described it as wonderful that Anwar is fond of Tamil songs of legendary actor and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M G Ramachandran (MGR).

PM Modi shared a car ride with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday after arriving in Kuala Lumpur for a two-day visit, highlighting their close personal rapport. The PM thanked Ibrahim for personally receiving him at the airport and said the visit would strengthen people-to-people ties. The visit, PM Modi’s third since 2015, aims to deepen the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through political, economic, cultural and community engagement.