Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Malaysia visit kicked off with fanfare as PM Anwar Ibrahim rolled out the red carpet, personally receiving and chauffeuring him to a grand Indian community event in Kuala Lumpur. In his stirring speech, PM Modi showcased India’s evolution into a global economic leader.
Grateful for the hospitality, PM Modi commended Anwar’s airport welcome and event participation, calling it a testament to enduring friendship. A dazzling show by 800 synchronized dancers left an indelible mark, promising to linger in memories for years.
Their bond, forged before Anwar’s premiership, was evident as PM Modi praised his intellect, reforms, and ASEAN 2025 role. Festive wishes flowed for Sankranti, Pongal, Thaipusam, and forthcoming Mahashivratri, Ramadan, and Hari Raya.
PM Modi unpacked India’s success story: the world’s fastest-growing economy, second-ranked mobile production via Make in India, 30x defense export growth post-2014, and third spot in global startups. ‘We’ve built unparalleled digital public infrastructure and the biggest fintech ecosystem. Solar power capacity soared 40 times in a decade,’ he noted.
No longer just a market, India attracts investments and drives trade. Cultural links with Malaysia run deep—from recent exhibits to ancestral sacrifices in the freedom fight. Many Malaysian forebears joined Netaji’s INA without ever visiting India.
PM Modi marveled at their tradition-keeping, spotlighting in Mann Ki Baat how 500+ Malaysian schools teach Indian languages, shared with 1.4 billion compatriots. The speech reinforced strategic partnerships amid shared values and histories.