India's UPI will come to Malaysia soon, says PM Modi addressing Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur | Details

India's UPI will come to Malaysia soon: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, February 7, to a grand red-carpet reception, with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim receiving him at the airport, signalling a new momentum in the bilateral ties.

Malaysian Minister of Human Resources Ramanan Ramakrishnan and Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni accompanied Ibrahim in receiving Modi amid artistes performing traditional music and dance that highlighted the shared cultural heritage of both nations.

"Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the airport. I look forward to our conversations and to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia," Modi said on social media.

The two leaders will hold wide-ranging talks on Sunday, which are expected to produce a number of agreements to further expand cooperation between the two nations.

Modi and Ibrahim travelled in the same car to the venue of an Indian community event, which was also attended by the Malaysian prime minister.

"Celebrating the India-Malaysia people-to-people connect! PM Anwar Ibrahim and I are heading to the community programme in Kuala Lumpur," Modi said in another social media post.

"The historic ties between India and Malaysia have seen steadfast progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and further enhancing our comprehensive strategic partnership," Modi said.

"We will aim to deepen our defence and security ties, enhance our economic and innovation partnership, and expand our collaboration into new domains," he said.

India and Malaysia elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in August, 2024.

Addressing the Indian diaspora in Kuala Lumpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the strong and growing partnership between India and Malaysia, highlighting IMPACT as the guiding principle of the bilateral relationship.

He further highlighted the importance of joint efforts for collective transformation, focusing on key areas such as economic growth, technological collaboration, and cultural exchange.

PM Modi also underscored the critical role of the Indian diaspora in strengthening India-Malaysia ties. He encouraged the community to actively contribute to deepening connections between the two nations, while celebrating the shared heritage, values, and mutual progress that bind them.

He called for continued collaboration to unlock new opportunities for both countries in trade, innovation, and cultural initiatives.

Prime Minister Modi further said India is looking at boosting defence and security ties and enhancing economic and innovation partnership with Malaysia.

Modi said this before embarking on a two-day trip to the Southeast Asian country.

"The historic ties between India and Malaysia have seen steadfast progress in recent years," Modi said in a departure statement.