Torana Gate a high point in Malaysia-India relations

KUALA LUMPUR: The Torana Gate marks another high point in the long-standing history of good relations between Malaysia and India, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

In his speech during the inauguration of the Torana Gate at Little India in Brickfields on Monday, he said it signalled closer cooperation and a new dimension to people-to-people engagement between both countries.

"I am also confident that it will swiftly become an attraction in our capital for tourists.

"Malaysia is not just a business friendly but also visitor-friendly, and I am sure that visitors from India would soon feel at home here," he said in his speech.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Najib's far-sightedness for taking the India-Malaysia relationship to another level.

Modi, who spoke in Hindi, commended Najib for his efforts in strengthening the relationship between both countries.

"The gate will be a milestone in our relations with Malaysia.

"It is a symbol of friendship between both nations - a symbol of universal brotherhood, equality and tradition of both countries," he said.

The Torana Gate, a gift from the Indian government to Malaysia, is a mark of continued friendship between both countries.

The construction of the gate was first announced by former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in 2010 and was installed by local developer MRCB Engineering Sdn Bhd on Aug 20 this year.

The gate was designed by Aksaya Jain and Associates and it is identical to the "Great Stupa" at Sanchi, India.