KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Long-standing historical and cultural linkages anchored by the Malaysian Indian community continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening Malaysia–India relations, Malaysia’s High Commissioner to India Datuk Muzaffar Shah Mustafa said.
Speaking on Bernama World TV, he said about 200,000 Malaysians hold the Overseas Citizen of India and Person of Indian Origin cards, reflecting shared historical and cultural ties that help bridge the two countries.
He reiterated that deeper people-to-people engagement would remain a key pillar of stronger bilateral relations. As such, he encouraged Malaysians to experience India firsthand to build stronger people-to-people connections.
“We hope you will come, gain a better understanding, and take all the opportunities to help bring the two countries closer,” he said.
Beyond people-to-people links, Muzaffar said recent high-level engagements have further strengthened mutual trust, supported by close personal ties between leaders of both nations.
On Feb 7 and 8, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reciprocating the Malaysian leader’s visit to India in August 2024.
Muzaffar said such rapport enables more open and candid discussions and allows both sides to address issues with ease and mutual understanding – an increasingly important factor amid growing global uncertainties.
“The global situation is increasingly uncertain. Things are no longer business as usual, and we can no longer rely solely on traditional markets,” he said.
Muzaffar also urged Malaysians to experience India firsthand rather than rely on selective and often limited media narratives, noting that perceptions of the country were often shaped by narrow exposure.
He said media portrayals of India sometimes focus on negative or sensational elements rather than presenting a fuller and more balanced picture of the country.
When people talk about India, they often think only of cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, or Chennai, but the country is far more diverse than many Malaysians realise, he said.
“India has 28 states and several union territories, with different languages spoken and distinct cultures practised across regions,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
