Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Ramakrishna Mission in Malaysia on Tuesday, where he paid tribute to Swami Vivekananda, hailed as a ‘Global Youth Icon’. Singh’s visit underscored Vivekananda’s universal appeal and the broader cultural impact of Indian heritage in Malaysia.
Singh’s visit to Malaysia, which began on Sunday, marks the first bilateral visit since the announcement of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 trip to Malaysia.
During his visit, Singh highlighted the contribution of Indian culture to Malaysia’s multicultural fabric. “This statue, unveiled by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2015, is a testimony to the rich legacy of Indian heritage and culture in Malaysia,” Singh stated.
In addition to the Ramakrishna Mission, the Defence Minister toured the premises of the Batu Caves temple, home to a statue of Lord Murugan crafted by Indian artisans. Here, he was warmly welcomed by Batu Caves Temple Committee Chairman Tan Sri Nadarajah and members of the local Indian community.
Situated in a 400 million-year-old limestone hill, the Batu Caves complex includes a series of caves and a renowned 272-step Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan.
The visit’s official agenda went beyond cultural engagement. On Monday, India and Malaysia agreed to modify a 1993 Memorandum of Understanding to boost military and technological cooperation. Singh held productive discussions with Malaysian leaders, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with the aim of maximising their strategic partnership’s potential.
Singh’s official engagements commenced with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Malaysia’s Defence Ministry. This was followed by bilateral talks with his Malaysian counterpart Mohamad Hasan, where they explored initiatives to expand defence ties, including potential ways to amplify industrial cooperation.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, which is founded on mutual trust and understanding, shared democratic values, and the rule of law, according to an official statement.
