Kuala Lumpur, 7 February. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a grand welcome upon his arrival in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim received Modi at the airport. Malaysia’s Human Resources Minister Ramanan Ramakrishnan and Deputy Foreign Minister Lukanisman bin Awang Souni welcomed the prime minister along with Ibrahim. During this, the artists presented traditional music and dance programs, which showcased the shared cultural heritage of both the countries.

“I am overwhelmed by the warm welcome extended to me by my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, at the airport. I look forward to our talks and hope to further strengthen the bond of friendship between India and Malaysia,” Modi said in a post on ‘X’. Modi will hold wide-ranging talks with the Malaysian Prime Minister on Sunday, which is expected to reach several agreements to further enhance cooperation between the two countries. Modi and Ibrahim went to the venue of an Indian community event in the same car, where the Malaysian Prime Minister was also present.

“Celebrating the people-to-people ties of India-Malaysia! Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and I are going to participate in a community event in Kuala Lumpur,” Modi said in another post on social media. Before leaving for Malaysia, Modi had said that India is looking to strengthen defense and security ties with Malaysia and expand partnership in the fields of economic and innovation.

He had said, “The historic relations between India and Malaysia have witnessed steady progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and to further strengthening our comprehensive strategic partnership.” He had said, “Our aim is to strengthen our defense and security ties, enhance our economic and innovation partnership and expand our cooperation into new areas.” India and Malaysia have upgraded their bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership in August 2024.