Diplomacy is often conducted in carefully measured words, but on Saturday night, it briefly took a musical turn. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is in the capital to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, chose a Kishore Kumar classic to add a lighter touch to the evening.
At a time when summits are often defined by joint statements and photo opportunities, Anwar’s choice of song stood out for its simplicity. There was no elaborate cultural programme; a single beloved melody was enough to underline how soft power can sometimes take the form of a smile and a classic film song. He later shared the video on his X account, creating a quiet digital encore that soon travelled well beyond the dinner table. It was not the first time the Malaysian leader had showcased his fondness for the song. The two leaders, who address each other with evident familiarity, discussed trade, semiconductors and ways to deepen their partnership. However, it was the evening’s musical moment that brought a distinctly human touch to the otherwise formal summit schedule. Kishore Kumar’s voice has crossed borders for decades. On this night, a visiting Prime Minister simply handed it the microphone again—and for a few minutes, the serious business of geopolitics took a back seat to a tune that still refuses to fade. As the final courses settled and conversation softened, the lights dimmed for something far more eloquent than speeches.
Earlier that day, Anwar held a warm bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the summit.
