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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reaffirmed India and Malaysia’s shared resolve to promote development, peace, and stability across the Indo-Pacific region, working closely with ASEAN partners.

Addressing the issue of terrorism, Prime Minister Modi delivered a firm message, underscoring that India and Malaysia share a zero-tolerance approach. He made it clear that there can be no double standards or concessions when it comes to combating terror, reiterating India’s consistent position on the global stage.

“India and Malaysia are committed to development, peace and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region along with ASEAN. India looks forward to further deepening engagement with ASEAN. On the issue of terror, our message is clear – No double standards. No compromise,” PM Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi further highlighted people-to-people linkages as the cornerstone of India-Malaysia friendship, noting that initiatives like the Social Security Agreement, gratis e-visa for tourism, UPI’s upcoming rollout in Malaysia, expanded university exchanges, and new skill development opportunities for youth will draw the two nations even closer.

“People-to-people linkages are at the core of India-Malaysia friendship. The Social Security Agreement, gratis e-visa for tourism and the coming of UPI to Malaysia will bring our people even closer. We are also working to increase university exchanges and create skill development opportunities for our youth,” PM Modi added.

Expressing optimism about future collaboration, Prime Minister Modi said the newly signed Audio Visual Agreement would strengthen cooperation in film and music, with Tamil cinema playing a special role in deepening cultural ties.

“Shared love for the Tamil language also connects India and Malaysia. In Malaysia, the strong and living presence of Tamil can be seen in education, media and cultural life. I am confident that with today’s Audio Visual Agreement, film and music, especially Tamil films, will bring our hearts closer,” PM Modi said.

Reflecting on the broader relationship, PM Modi described India and Malaysia as maritime neighbors with centuries-old ties shaped by shared history, cultural heritage, and democratic values. He noted that Malaysia is home to the second-largest population of people of Indian origin globally, making the Indian diaspora a vital bridge between the two countries.

“India and Malaysia share a special relationship. We are maritime neighbours. For centuries, our people have had deep and affectionate ties. Today, Malaysia is the second largest country in the world with a population of Indian origin. Our civilizations, shared cultural heritage and democratic values ​​bind us together.”

Congratulating Malaysia on its successful tenure as ASEAN Chair, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific and its support for ASEAN’s central role in the region. “The Indo-Pacific region is committed to development, peace, and stability. India gives priority to ASEAN centrality,” he said.

PM Modi is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia, marking his third visit to the country and his first since India and Malaysia elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024. The relationship continues to be strengthened by historical links, cultural affinity, and Malaysia’s Indian-origin population of nearly 2.9 million, the third-largest overseas Indian community in the world.