Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday hailed Malaysia as a close and trusted partner, and underscored the Indian diaspora’s pivotal role as a living bridge anchoring the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Speaking before a crowd of more than 10,000 people and in the presence of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and dignitaries from both countries, Modi said India-Malaysia relations are scaling new heights each year, driven by strong people-to-people ties and growing strategic cooperation.