Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Saturday announced that a new Indian consulate will soon be opened in Malaysia, further strengthening bilateral ties, and lauded the Union government’s “historic decision” last year to extend Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the sixth generation, news agency ANI reported.
Addressing the Indian diaspora during a community event in Kuala Lumpur, as part of his two-day visit, PM Modi said, “India will always embrace you with open arms. That is why we made a historic decision just a few months ago. We extended the OCI card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the 6th generation.”
He also introduced the Thiruvalluvar Scholarships, aimed at enabling Malaysian students to pursue studies in India, ANI reported.
“We have been supporting the Indian Scholarships Trust Fund. Now, we are also going to give Thiruvalluvar Scholarships for students to study in India. And we look forward to seeing you in the Know India Program. You would be happy to know that we will soon be opening a new Consulate of India in Malaysia. This will bring us even closer,” PM Modi said.
During his visit, PM Modi also toured a special Person of Indian Origin (PIO) History and Heritage Exhibition, organised to celebrate the rich legacy, resilience, and contributions of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia over generations, ANI reported.
He appreciated the efforts of the Indian community in curating the exhibition, calling it an inspiring tribute.
PM Modi hails extended OCI benefits, announces upcoming Indian consulate in Malaysia
“Today’s community programme in Kuala Lumpur included an exhibition on the Indian community in Malaysia. The Indian Government’s decision of extending OCI card eligibility to Malaysian citizens of Indian origin up to the 6th generation has caused immense happiness among the diaspora. In the times to come, an Indian consulate will also be opened in Malaysia, thus bringing our nations even closer,” PM Modi stated in a post on X.
Indian culture shines bright in Malaysia!
In Kuala Lumpur, I saw several diverse aspects of our people-to-people linkages. This includes a Ramayan-themed Bharatanatyam performance by dancers from the Temple of Fine Arts, Kuala Lumpur and a Silambam martial arts demonstration by… pic.twitter.com/PpES5vitwh
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 7, 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also noted the historical bonds between the two countries, calling them the “foundation” of India-Malaysia ties.
“Historical bonds at the core of India-Malaysia friendship! Together with PM Ibrahim Anwar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi walked through an inspiring PIO History and Heritage Exhibition—a tribute to the rich legacy, resilience, and contributions of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia and their journey across generations. Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of Indian diaspora in showcasing this impactful exhibition,” the MEA posted on X.
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to Malaysia to further strengthen the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through enhanced cooperation in economic, digital, cultural, and people-to-people domains.
(With ANI inputs)
