Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak on Monday jointly inaugurated the over USD 1.1 million 'Torana Gate' built by India and said it was not merely a piece of art on stone but connecting of two nations.
Modi was warmly embraced by Najib as he got out of his car at Perdana square in Putrajaya, the sprawling administrative capital on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
Modi, dressed in a Bandhgala, inspected a guard of honour in Malaysia and was introduced by Najib to Malaysian Ministers and officials.
Malaysian ethnic Indians take souvenir photos during the inauguration ceremony.
Najib said the gateway was a gift from India and a labour of love. It is a symbol of ties and friendship between the two peoples and marked yet another high point in the long history of India and Malaysia.
The inauguration of Torana Gate shows India-Malaysia ties are not only economical but also cultural. I am sure ties between India and Malaysia will be stronger and deeper in the times to come, says Modi.
Modi said the gate will be a milestone in India's relations with Malaysia. Modi and Najib cut the inauguration ribbon to the count of three and later signed a plaque there.
The intricately carved Torana Gate, inspired by the Toranas of the great Buddhist sculpture of Sanchi, has carvings and relief work representing ancient Indian art as well as the Islamic art form.
The gateway, which is a gift from India to mark the launch of Kuala Lumpur's Litte India project, was built at an estimated to cost about 5 million Malaysian Ringgit (USD 1.1 million).
Narendra Modi inaugurates 'Torana Gate' in Malaysia