New Delhi/Kuala Lumpur,07 February (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim shared a car ride on Saturday en route to a community programme in Kuala Lumpur, symbolizing their personal rapport during Modi's two-day official visit that spotlights burgeoning bilateral ties.
PM Modi posted glimpses on X, captioning: Celebrating the India-Malaysia people-to-people connect! PM Anwar Ibrahim and I are heading to the community programme in Kuala Lumpur.
Earlier, he expressed profound appreciation for Ibrahim's airport reception: Landed in Kuala Lumpur. Deeply touched by the warm welcome from my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The ceremonial arrival featured a military guard of honour, cultural performances, and flag-waving schoolchildren, with Malaysian Minister of Human Resources Dato' Seri R. Ramanan and Deputy Foreign Minister Dato' Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni in attendance.
PM Modi then addressed the 'Selamat Datang Modiji' event at MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre, where the Indian diaspora—aiming for a Malaysia Book of Records entry via 800 dancers performing synchronized classical and folk routines—greeted him exuberantly.
Strategic Visit Bolsters Comprehensive PartnershipIndia-Malaysia's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevated in August 2024, underpins Sunday's agenda: ceremonial welcome at Perdana Putra, bilateral/delegation-level talks at Seri Perdana yielding pacts on defense, trade, fintech, and innovation, followed by a hosted luncheon.
PM Modi's first 2026 overseas trip reaffirms Act East Policy priorities, building on $19.85 billion FY24-25 trade, rupee settlements, visa liberalizations, HAL's regional office, and cultural initiatives like Ayurveda's Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman centre—fostering enduring people-to-people bridges with three million Indian-origin residents.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
