Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday met veterans of the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, in Kuala Lumpur during his two-day official visit to Malaysia, highlighting the enduring legacy of the force among the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia.
In a special interaction, PM Modi met INA veteran Jeyaraj Raja Rao and described the meeting as deeply inspiring.
Sharing photographs on X, the Prime Minister said Rao’s life reflected immense courage and sacrifice and described the interaction as a moving reminder of India’s freedom struggle.
It was very special to meet INA veteran Shri Jeyaraj Raja Rao.
His life is marked by immense courage and sacrifice. Listening to his experiences was very inspiring.
We remain forever indebted to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the brave women and men of the INA, whose valour helped… pic.twitter.com/dVkiDgCKGL
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2026
During the interaction, PM Modi paid homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the men and women of the INA, stating that the nation remains forever indebted to their valour and dedication.
He emphasised that their contribution played a vital role in shaping India’s destiny.
Ministry of External Affairs Secretary (East) Periasamy Kumaran described the Prime Minister’s meeting with the surviving INA veterans as a truly special and memorable moment, underlining its historical and emotional significance.
Earlier, addressing members of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, PM Modi acknowledged the sacrifices made by people of Indian origin in Southeast Asia during India’s independence movement.
The Prime Minister noted that many INA volunteers had never visited India but remained deeply committed to the freedom struggle.
He also highlighted efforts to preserve Netaji’s legacy in Malaysia, including renaming the Indian Cultural Centre after Subhas Chandra Bose.
Led by Netaji from Southeast Asia in 1943, the INA, including the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, remains a powerful symbol of courage and sacrifice among the Indian diaspora.
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