PM Modi Joins Malaysian Counterpart at Grand ‘Selamat Datang Modi Ji’ Diaspora Event in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, February 7, 2026 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim jointly attended a vibrant community reception titled “Selamat Datang Modi Ji” here this evening, celebrating the deep cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Malaysia.

The event, held in Kuala Lumpur, drew an enthusiastic gathering of approximately 12,000–15,000 members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India from across the country. It featured lively cultural performances, including a massive dance showcase by the diaspora community aiming for a record entry in the Malaysian Book of Records.

PM Modi addressed the audience, describing the Indian-origin community as a “living and vibrant bridge” between the two nations and a “strong pillar” of their historic friendship. He highlighted the shared heritage, from food traditions to cultural links, and recalled the contributions of earlier generations, including those who joined Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army without ever seeing the motherland. He paid tribute to the support extended by the Malaysian Indian community during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake and acknowledged the ongoing work of organizations like the Netaji Service Centre and Netaji Welfare Foundation.

The Prime Minister also emphasized India’s rapid development, noting the doubling of airports, record-speed highway construction, and unprecedented growth. “I invite you all to visit India,” he said, adding with warmth, “I also request you to bring your Malay friends with you.” He spoke personally about his longstanding friendship with PM Anwar Ibrahim, noting, “PM Anwar Ibrahim and I were friends even before he became Prime Minister. I couldn’t visit the ASEAN summit last year but I promised my friend that I’ll come to Malaysia soon — and now I have come.”

PM Anwar Ibrahim, in a display of close rapport, personally welcomed PM Modi upon arrival and shared a car ride with him, reflecting the strong personal bond between the leaders.

The diaspora event kicked off PM Modi’s two-day official visit, his third to Malaysia and the first since the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024. Tomorrow (February 8), the two Prime Ministers will hold delegation-level talks and one-on-one meetings, expected to result in the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to advance cooperation in trade, investment, defence, security, energy, semiconductors, digital technologies, renewable energy, and more.

The warm, energetic atmosphere underscored the event’s theme: celebrating familial bonds and strengthening India-Malaysia ties through the powerful role of the diaspora.