India has expanded a historic opportunity to the Indian diaspora in Malaysia. The Indian High Commission in Malaysia has confirmed that Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) eligibility has now officially been extended to sixth-generation descendants of Persons of Indian Origin.
This milestone comes after the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit, attended virtually by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and further strengthened through bilateral discussions between India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan during the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings.
To deepen ties between both nations and uplift the Indian community in Malaysia, the High Commission also announced an additional RM3 million allocation to the Indian Scholarship and Trust Fund (ISTF). This fund plays a critical role in providing one-time annual financial assistance to Malaysian-Indian students facing economic challenges.
In another significant development, renowned Indian scholar and anthropologist Prof. A. Chellaperumal has joined Universiti Malaya as the Thiruvalluvar Chair of Indian Studies under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). This initiative was previously announced by PM Modi during Malaysian PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in 2024, marking a powerful step in academic collaboration.
Why This Matters — A Human Touch
This announcement is more than policy.
It is recognition.
It is heritage being honored.
It is the door opening wider for families who carry Indian identity in their hearts, even generations later.
For thousands of Malaysian-Indians, this is not just paperwork — it is identity, connection, and belonging. And with boosted educational support, this moment also reflects a shared commitment to empower youth, preserve culture, and strengthen the bridge between Malaysia and India for generations to come.
