‘No compromise,’ PM Modi declares as India-Malaysia draw a hard line | World News

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

Addressing the issue of terrorism, Prime Minister Modi gave a clear message by underlining that India and Malaysia share a zero tolerance approach. He reiterated India’s consistent position on the global stage, making it clear that there can be no double standards or compromise in the fight against terrorism.

Prime Minister Modi said, “India and Malaysia, together with ASEAN, are committed to development, peace and stability in the entire Indo-Pacific region. India looks forward to further deepening its relations with ASEAN. Our message on terrorism is clear: No double standards. No compromise.” he said.

Prime Minister Modi also emphasized that people-to-people connections are the cornerstone of India-Malaysia friendship and said initiatives such as the Social Security Agreement, free e-visa for tourism, upcoming launch of UPI in Malaysia, expanded university exchanges and new skill development opportunities for youth will bring the two countries closer.

Prime Minister Modi said, “People-to-people connections are at the core of India-Malaysia friendship. The Social Security Agreement, free e-visa for tourism and the arrival of UPI in Malaysia will bring our people closer. We are also working to increase university exchanges and create skill development opportunities for our youth.” he added.

Expressing optimism about future cooperation, Prime Minister Modi said that the newly signed Audiovisual Agreement will strengthen cooperation in the field of film and music, and Tamil cinema will play a special role in deepening cultural ties.

Prime Minister Modi said, “The shared love for the Tamil language also binds India and Malaysia together. In Malaysia, the strong and vibrant 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.” he said.

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

“India and Malaysia have a special relationship. We are maritime neighbors. Our people have had deep and loving ties for centuries. Today, Malaysia is the world’s second largest country with a population of Indian origin. Our civilizations, common 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 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.

Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia; This is his third visit to the country and his first since India and Malaysia upgraded their ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024. Relationships continue to be strengthened by historical connections, cultural proximity and Malaysia’s Indian-origin population of approximately 2.9 million, the world’s third-largest overseas Indian community.