‘Trust is India’s strongest currency’: Modi says in Malaysia as he hails trade pacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday hailed India’s expanding network of trade agreements with major global partners, while speaking in a forum in Malaysia, including the US, EU, Australia and Oman, saying “trust has become India’s strongest currency” as the country deepens economic and people-to-people ties worldwide.

He showcased India’s rapid economic and infrastructure transformation while underlining the deep people-to-people bonds that anchor India–Malaysia ties.

Addressing the Indian community in Kuala Lumpur, Modi said India has witnessed unprecedented growth in infrastructure and connectivity over the past decade, positioning itself as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. He highlighted that India is now the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer and the third-largest startup hub globally.

“You are an active part of India’s and Malaysia’s progress,” he said.

“India has undergone a massive transformation in the last ten years,” Modi said, pointing to rising defence exports, which have grown nearly 30% since 2014, and expanding global confidence in India’s economic trajectory.

Calling Malaysia home to the second-largest Indian-origin community in the world, Modi said there was “so much that connects Indian and Malaysian hearts”. He urged members of the diaspora to strengthen these bonds by encouraging Malaysians to visit India.
“Don’t come alone—bring your Malaysian friends as well,” Modi said, adding that people-to-people ties remain the cornerstone of India–Malaysia friendship. He cited the international acclaim received by India’s Vande Bharat trains as a symbol of the country’s modernisation push and invited the community to experience “Incredible India” firsthand.Modi also announced that India’s digital payments platform UPI will soon be operational in Malaysia, marking another step in deepening economic and technological cooperation between the two countries.

Highlighting India’s expanding global footprint, Modi hailed trade agreements with countries including Australia, Oman, the European Union and the United States, saying global partners increasingly view India as a reliable and trusted partner. “Trust has become India’s strongest currency,” he said.

He added the guiding word of India–Malaysia ties is “IMPACT” — India–Malaysia Partnership for Advancing Collective Transformation — underscoring a shared commitment to deepen cooperation across trade, technology, connectivity and people-to-people links. Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Modi said the partnership reflects the two countries’ ambition to grow together by leveraging complementarities and strengthening collaboration in emerging and traditional sectors alike.

Reaffirming New Delhi’s commitment to the Indian diaspora, Modi said India will always embrace Malaysia with open arms, while noting the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) facilities to further strengthen links with the community.