Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged with leaders of Indian origin, including Ministers and Senators, during his visit to Malaysia on Sunday, praising their achievements in public service.

"Had a remarkable discussion with PIO leaders, which included respected Ministers and Senators. Their profound emotional bond with India was unmistakable. Their achievements in public life are a source of great pride for all of us," PM Modi shared on X.

Earlier that day, PM Modi also met with veteran Jeyaraj Raja Rao of the Azad Hind Fauj, known as the Indian National Army (INA), in Kuala Lumpur, acknowledging the historical significance of the force and its legacy among the Indian community in Southeast Asia.

While posting a photo with Jeyaraj Raja Rao on X, PM Modi honored the legacy of the INA and its founder, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

In his post, PM Modi expressed, "Meeting INA veteran Shri Jeyaraj Raja Rao was truly special. His life exemplifies tremendous bravery and sacrifice. Hearing his stories was incredibly motivational. We will always cherish the contributions of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the courageous individuals of the INA, whose bravery was instrumental in shaping India’s future."

PM Modi also held discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at his official residence, Seri Perdana.

The leaders evaluated collaborative efforts in various sectors, including infrastructure, energy, and biotechnology, and reached an agreement to bolster cooperation in security, defense technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and semiconductors.

"Had an excellent meeting with PM Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana earlier today. India and Malaysia are maritime neighbors with a long-standing friendship. We reviewed developmental cooperation in sectors like trade, infrastructure, energy, IT, biotechnology, and beyond. We also agreed to enhance collaboration in security, defense, AI, digital technologies, and semiconductors," PM Modi remarked on X.

"People-to-people connections form the bedrock of India-Malaysia relations. The Social Security Agreement, a complimentary e-visa for tourism, and the introduction of UPI in Malaysia will strengthen our ties further. We are also focused on increasing university exchanges and creating skill development opportunities for our youth," he continued.

On Saturday, PM Modi addressed members of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, where he recognized the historic sacrifices made by individuals of Indian origin during India's fight for independence.

“To liberate India, countless ancestors of yours made tremendous sacrifices. Many of them had never set foot in India. Yet, they were among the earliest to join Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army,” he stated.

Highlighting the efforts to honor Netaji’s legacy in Malaysia, the Prime Minister added, “In his memory, we have renamed the Indian Cultural Centre in Malaysia after Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. I would also like to commend the work of the Netaji Service Centre and the Netaji Welfare Foundation in Malaysia.”