SERI KEMBANGAN, Nov 23 — India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said degrees from universities in India and Malaysia should be recognised mutually to strengthen the bond between the two countries.
Modi said it would not be a problem to implement this and he would discuss the matter with his counterpart here, Datuk Seri Najib Razak when they meet today.
He also announced a US$1 million (RM4.3 million) scholarship for Malaysian students to pursue their studies in India.
“Thousands of Malaysian students come to India to study, especially those who want to become doctors. Most Malaysian Indians aspire and love to become doctors. I hope you would take this opportunity to come to India and study,” he said, addressing a crowd of about 4,000 people at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre yesterday.
He praised Malaysia for being one of India’s closest partners in the region.
“We have to take our relationship further. Whatever we do, you will be a part of it. This is to strengthen the partnership of India and Malaysia.
“India also has a splendid relationship with all the Asean countries. This is the region where our economy is growing rapidly,” he said.
Modi thanked the Malaysian government for strong security cooperation, especially during the current times when terrorism activity is at a high.
“Terrorism is the biggest threat to the world today. It knows no boundaries, and no country promotes terrorism. We need all the support we can from everyone. I’m proud that there is a great mutual understanding and cooperation in our region,” he added.
Modi said India owes a lot to the Malaysian Indians, especially during its pre-independent days.
“India has a great feeling of gratitude for Malayan Indians. Thousands of your forefathers here in then Malaya joined our Netaji Subash Chandra Bose to help India get its independence.
“Many Malaya Indians laid down their lives that time at the battlefield,” he added.
He also commended the war memorial park built in Kampar, Perak, to commemorate soldiers who died fighting for independence, and most of them were from India.
“There is also a Gandhi memorial hall in Sungai Petani, Kedah. He did not make it to Malaysia, but you all remember and honour him. The love and friendship of Malayan Indians had always a special place in my heart. Many of our people came to this then unknown land, and still did not lose the love for India,” he said.
He added the relationship between India and Malaysia is strong and the link between both is as ancient as the land of India.
Modi also praised Malaysia’s success in having a peaceful and developing country.
“Malaysia is truly Asia. It has people from so many cultures and religions and it is moving forward for further success,” he said.
