Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Malaysia on Saturday for a two-day official visit, receiving a warm reception from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the airport. The two leaders later travelled together in the same vehicle to the main event venue, reflecting the Indian Prime Minister’s much-noted gesture of personal diplomacy.

A large gathering of the Indian community assembled in Kuala Lumpur to welcome PM Modi. The reception featured cultural performances by around 800 artistes, who presented classical and folk dances, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Enthusiastic reception by Indian diaspora

As PM Modi stepped onto the stage, the venue resonated with chants of “Modi, Modi”, drawing loud applause from the audience. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister spoke about India’s cultural diversity and shared a light-hearted exchange that left PM Anwar Ibrahim and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar smiling.

PM Modi praised the Tamil language and its global cultural influence, highlighting the role played by leaders from Tamil Nadu in India’s governance. He noted that Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Minister of State Murugan Loganathan Murugan all hail from the state, calling it a reflection of Tamil Nadu’s intellectual and administrative legacy.

Light moments and shared warmth

The Prime Minister also recalled PM Anwar Ibrahim’s fondness for music, mentioning a viral video of the Malaysian leader singing a Bollywood song during a previous visit to India. He further noted Anwar’s admiration for Tamil cinema icon M.G. Ramachandran’s songs, prompting laughter from the audience and the Malaysian leader.

In his address, PM Anwar Ibrahim described PM Modi as a close personal friend and expressed appreciation for his visit, referring to their long-standing rapport and mutual respect.

The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in areas of culture, trade and people-to-people relations.

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