**Executive Summary**
The Prime Minister interacted with select Indian diaspora leaders, including Ministers, Senators, Members of Parliament, and veterans of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army-INA) on February 8, 2026. The meeting highlighted the diaspora's contribution to Malaysia's progress and the strengthening of India-Malaysia ties, with PIO leaders expressing appreciation for initiatives promoting welfare and the India-Malaysia relationship.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Attendees**:
* The interaction included Ministers, Senators, Members of Parliament, and veterans of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army-INA).
* Specific attendees included: Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Dato' Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, Tuan M. Kulasegaran, and Tuan R. Yuneswaran, among others.
* **India-Malaysia Relations**:
* The Prime Minister highlighted the Indian diaspora's contribution to the progress and development of Malaysia and the strengthening of India-Malaysia ties.
* PIO leaders expressed appreciation for the Comprehensive Strategic partnership between the two countries.
* **Welfare Measures for the Indian Community in Malaysia**:
* India's decision to open its first Consulate in Malaysia.
* Announcement of a Thiruvalluvar Center at Universiti Malaya.
* Institution of Thiruvalluvar scholarships.
* Extension of OCI Card up to sixth (6th) generation Indian-origin people living in Malaysia.
* Replenishment of the Indian Scholarships Trust Fund (ISTF) with 3 million Ringgit Malaysia (RM).
* **INA Veterans**:
* The Prime Minister met Dato' Jeyaraj Raja Rao, veteran of the Balak Sena of the Azad Hind Fauj and Mr Rathakrishnan, President, Netaji Welfare Foundation.
* He expressed appreciation for the courage and sacrifices of the INA and its veterans.
* The Government of India reiterated its commitment to Netaji's vision.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Diaspora Leaders in Malaysia**
* **Impact**: Acknowledgment of their contribution to Malaysia and India-Malaysia ties, along with the benefit of welfare measures for the Indian community.
* **Action Required**: Continue contributing to the progress and development of Malaysia and strengthening India-Malaysia ties.
**Indian Community in Malaysia**
* **Impact**: Improved welfare through measures such as the establishment of a consulate, the Thiruvalluvar Center, scholarships, and extension of the OCI card.
* **Action Required**: Utilize the welfare measures available to them.
**Indian Students in Malaysia**
* **Impact**: Increased financial support through the replenishment of the Indian Scholarships Trust Fund (ISTF).
* **Action Required**: Apply for the Indian Scholarships Trust Fund (ISTF) to benefit from the financial aid.
**Veterans of the Azad Hind Fauj (INA)**
* **Impact**: Recognition of their courage and sacrifices for India.
* **Action Required**: No specific action required, but their service is acknowledged and appreciated.
Key Entities Referenced
Malaysia: Country central to the scope of the interactions and initiatives discussed.
Indian diaspora: Group whose interaction with the Prime Minister is the main subject.
OCI Card: Extension of OCI Card is mentioned in the press release.
Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army-INA): Veterans of the INA are mentioned as part of the Indian Diaspora the Prime Minister interacted with.
Indian Scholarships Trust Fund (ISTF): Replenishment of the ISTF is part of the discussion regarding Indian Diaspora in Malaysia.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister interacts with distinguished
members of the Indian diaspora
Posted On: 08 FEB 2026 2:48PM by PIB Delhi
Prime Minister interacted today with select Indian diaspora leaders, including Ministers, Senators,
Members of Parliament and veterans of the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army-INA). These included:
Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital; Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, Minister of Human
Resources; Tuan M. Kulasegaran, Deputy Minister in Prime Minister’s Department; and Tuan R.
Yuneswaran, Deputy Minister of National Unity, among others.
Prime Minister highlighted the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora to the progress and
development of Malaysia and to strengthening India-Malaysia ties. The PIO leaders expressed their
appreciation for Prime Minister’s leadership in building the Comprehensive Strategic partnership between
the two countries and initiatives aimed at advancing India- Malaysia relationship. They also appreciated
Prime Minister’s vision and initiatives aimed at transforming India.
The PIO leaders also thanked Prime Minister for the measures taken for the welfare of the Indian
community in Malaysia, including (i) India’s decision to open its first Consulate in Malaysia; (ii)
announcement of a Thiruvalluvar Center at Universiti Malaya; (iii) institution of Thiruvalluvar
scholarships; (iv) extension of OCI Card up to sixth (6th) generation Indian-orgin people living in
Malaysia; and (v) replenishment of the Indian Scholarships Trust Fund (ISTF) with 3 million Ringgit
Malaysia (RM) for the benefit of Malaysian Indian students.
Prime Minister also met Dato’ Jeyaraj Raja Rao, veteran of the Balak Sena of the Azad Hind Fauj [Indian
National Army - INA] and Mr Rathakrishnan, President, Netaji Welfare Foundation. He expressed deep
appreciation for the unforgettable courage and sacrifices of the INA and its veterans. He also reiterated the
commitment of the Government of India to Netaji’s vision of building a strong and modern India.
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