ACROSS OCEANS AND AGENDAS, MODI IS SHAPING THE STRATEGIC TIDE: Dr CHANDRA

In the latest offering of The JC Show, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra examines the strategic, diplomatic, and political implications of Narendra Modi’s outreach from Malaysia to domestic politics and global partnerships. Dr Chandra discusses the emotional and cultural connections forged abroad, the geopolitical significance of the South China Sea region, and the strengthening of trade ties with ASEAN. The conversation also explores Modi’s firm articulation against terrorism, his emphasis on people-centric partnerships, and the broader strategic response of global powers. Meanwhile, Dr. Chandra also reviews the improvement of India–Malaysia relations, India’s maritime vision, and recent international agreements, alongside domestic political developments, institutional issues, economic engagement, and strategic positioning that shape India’s contemporary global role. EXcerpts...

• Today’s JC Show headline is “Modi’s strategic victory: Kuala Lumpur to Chennai … what does it mean? Does this visit also have a Tamil Nadu election angle?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: Really, it was all the way Narendra Modi, right from Kuala Lumpur to Chennai. At both places, he won the hearts of the people, lakhs of people, crores of people. For Tamil, he said that Tamil culture is global and it is India’s connection in the outer world. It is a language that connects people from the heart, and he also mentioned Tamil songs in reference to the culture and traditions there. The Prime Minister there himself sang a song from an old MGR film. A new kind of emotional cultural connection between the two countries was visible. As far as the Tamil Nadu election possibilities are concerned, naturally, Modi is a politician and a visionary, and all such matters remain in his mind. About 30 lakh Indian diaspora live in Malaysia, and 80 percent of them speak Tamil and come from regions of Tamil Nadu. On this occasion, Narendra Modi indicated indirectly what has been done for them and what all has been done, including giving a Vice President, a Foreign Minister, a Finance Minister, and an Information and Broadcasting Minister. The message was that now the time has come for a matching response. Elections are approaching, 10 May is the last day of the present term of the Assembly, and a new government has to be formed before that. The current situation is tough and challenging. In the 234-member Assembly BJP has only 4 MLAs and in 39 MPs there is no MP. But Amit Shah and Narendra Modi are engaged. It is tough and a challenge, and Modi and Shah enjoy accepting challenges. Let us see what miracle they bring to Tamil Nadu this time.
• How do you view the unusual reception given to Prime Minister Modi in another Muslim nation, Malaysia?
  The reception was truly extraordinary, and it should be said that the Prime Minister himself came to receive him at the airport and seated him in his own seat in the car, after which Modi’s car diplomacy took place. He also said that he was fortunate that Narendra Modi is his friend and that he knows him. Overall, the reception from the government side was remarkable. Modi also said that he has known the Prime Minister since before he became Prime Minister. A good bond between the two leaders was visible there.
• Why did Modi choose Malaysia for his first visit of 2026?
  There may have been two or three reasons. First, Modi keeps his word and his commitments. At the previous Asian conference, he was to go but could not at the last moment, and it was postponed. The Prime Minister there called and said you did not come, and he said he would come soon and made a promise. To fulfill that promise, the first foreign visit of 2026 began with Malaysia. That is one aspect. Second, about 30 lakh people live there; a mini India lives there. Another reason is that the strait that connects the Indian Ocean with the South China Sea is a major strategic area. About 55 percent of India’s maritime transportation of goods passes through that route. India also thinks that establishing its presence in the South China Sea is part of Narendra Modi’s agenda. The United States also thinks so, there is the TaiwanChina dispute and sensitivity. These were the reasons that he decided to fulfil the promise and also establish strategic relevance there and strengthen the global Brand Modi.
• How are trade relations between ASEAN countries and India?
  Trade relations are good and advancing rapidly. In 2016, trade between the two was 65 billion dollars, and in 2025 it is 125 billion dollars, more than double, almost double. India is the third biggest business partner of Malaysia. India is also considering free trade agreements with ASEAN countries. More than 100 Indian companies are working in Malaysia. Trade relations with ASEAN countries are currently very good and will grow further.
• During the visit, Narendra Modi made two strong and emotionally resonant statements, first that there should be no double standards and no compromise on terror. How do you view this?
  The most important thing he said was no compromise and no double standards. The first indication was toward America, which adopts double standards regarding Pakistan and terror. Initially, America said Pakistan is a terror and will be addressed. India proved it after Pahalgam in ten days. Then their Army Chief went there, and the Prime Minister went there with family members and Trump’s family members, and a rare earth minerals deal happened. They changed and said Pakistan’s support is necessary in the fight against terrorism. That is absolutely a double standard. There was also a slight indication toward Malaysia regarding Zakir Naik. He clearly said there should be no double standards and no compromise. The reference to compromise was not only about terror but also indicated Trump. India has made deals on its own terms and will not bow. The statement was so powerful that all newspapers carried it as a lead, irrespective of regional and national newspapers. The merit was in the statement itself, and the media gave it prominence.
• Narendra Modi said any partnership succeeds strongly only when its benefits reach people directly. What would you like to say about this?
  He is correct. He is saying that making plans on paper and signing bilateral agreements alone will not work. Agreements should be in areas that directly benefit people. For example, the UPI agreement benefits people directly, and transactions and payment systems have become easy. His indication was that agreements should not remain limited to paper but be tried and tested on the ground and be practical so that the common people of both countries benefit. Otherwise, they will remain paper agreements and will be repeated again on the next visit. His meaning was to be practical.
• How would China and Pakistan be viewing Narendra Modi’s Malaysia visit?
  Upset. China becomes troubled because it tries to influence countries through loans and debt. All these countries are connected to the South China Sea. They wonder how India is entering here and how Narendra Modi’s leadership is arriving here. Pakistan is also upset. It was written in a Hindi newspaper that Pakistan must be shocked. It is a Muslim nation that earlier supported Pakistan on Kashmir and has shifted. Narendra Modi went there, and when he goes, people do not return. Both countries are upset, some more, some less.
• During the tenure of former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, diplomatic relations between India and Malaysia deteriorated over Kashmir and other issues. Have they now improved?
  Almost, to the tune of 80- 90 percent. One reason for choosing Malaysia could also be to bring countries that had deviated back on track. Relations had deteriorated strongly earlier over Kashmir, the Citizenship law, and allegations against India. With the new Prime Minister, the damage has been recouped by about 85-90 percent, and the remaining shadow will also be resolved. From this perspective, Narendra Modi’s visit was very important and useful.
• President Wavel Ramkalawan of S eychelles was in Delhi. What discussions took place between Narendra Modi and him?
  Seychelles is an important part of Narendra Modi’s ocean vision. These countries are connected in some way with the South China Sea and the ASEAN region. When he came to India, he received a grand welcome. Narendra Modi signed seven agreements with him, ranging from renewable energy to climate solutions and from maritime to digital development. India announced economic assistance of 175 million dollars for that country.
• What is your assessment of the historic trade deal between India and the United States?
  The deal reflects Narendra Modi’s restraint, patience, diplomacy, and courage. It has been said that tariffs have come down from 50 percent to 18 percent. If handled in this manner, they may go to zero. Narendra Modi understands Trump very well. Without confrontation, he achieved an A+ category deal. It is a deal based on give and take. It is not one-way traffic. In the present scenario, it is one of the best deals signed. The team includes Piyush Goyal, Nirmala Sitharaman, and the External Affairs Minister, but the direction is Modi’s. There was concern that agriculture would be opened, but it concerns livestock inputs such as feed and poultry, which are already costlier in India. Export markets have revived, export centres are active again, labour-oriented industries will not face job losses, and investor confidence has improved.
• What is the future of the no-confidence motion brought by the opposition against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla?
  I think it will die its natural death. 118 people have signed, but numbers can change. Opposition unity changes day to day. Some parties have refused to sign. Fourteen days’ notice is required. Om Birla is one of the most decent, dignified, and seasoned Speakers in recent times. Leaders across parties interact with him. The motion is part of politics and intended to create moral pressure. Its future is that it will die a natural death.
• What future do you see for the FIR registered in the alleged book leak case of former Army Chief Naravane?
  The leak became a political issue. Rahul Gandhi presented material in Parliament and created sensitivity. No denial has come from the Army Chief or the Defence Ministry. Service rules require clearance from the Defence Ministry and the Home Ministry before publication. There appears to be a violation. The law will take its course. Statements will be taken from the former Army Chief, Rahul Gandhi, and the publishers. Such cases are often political rather than procedural. The decision will be at the highest level. With time, the issue may be sorted out and will largely retain a political angle.

During the show #JconModiStrategicVictory trended top All-India on X