PM Modi Tamil Nadu Live Updates: Impart medical education in Tamil medium to benefit the poor, PM Modi tells DMK regime

Taking a swipe at Tamil Nadu leaders, Modi said, “I get letters from leaders here, but none are signed in Tamil. If we’re proud of Tamil, then sign your name in Tamil too.” He reiterated the Centre's efforts to take Tamil language and heritage global.

Emphasizing security, Modi said over 3,700 Indian fishermen, including 600 last year, were brought back safely from Sri Lanka. “Some even faced capital punishment, but we acted to secure their release,” he said.

PM Modi said small farmers in Tamil Nadu received Rs 12,000 crore under PM-Kisan, and Rs 14,800 crore under PM Fasal Bima Yojana. “The fishing community is the strength of the Blue Economy,” he added, highlighting fisheries support under the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana.

PM Modi urged the Tamil Nadu government to introduce medical courses in Tamil, saying, “Even poor children should be able to become doctors.” He noted that 11 new medical colleges have been set up in Tamil Nadu in the last decade.

“In 10 years, 12 crore rural families got tap water connections; over 1.11 crore are from Tamil Nadu,” he said. Under Ayushman Bharat, 1 crore treatments were availed in the state, saving families nearly Rs 8,000 crore. He also noted that 1,400 Jan Aushadhi Kendras have saved people about Rs 700 crore.

Highlighting urban mobility and housing, Modi said, “Chennai Metro is increasing ease of travel. Over 12 lakh pucca houses have been provided under PM Awas Yojana in Tamil Nadu.” He added that over 4 crore houses have been given across the country.

The PM compared budget allocations, saying, “Before 2014, only Rs 900 crore were allocated each year. You know who was the 'karta-dharta' then. Today, the rail budget has crossed Rs 6,000 crore.” He said 77 railway stations, including Rameswaram, are being modernized, and 4,000 km of roads have been built in Tamil Nadu under central schemes.

Citing infrastructure growth, Modi said the rail budget for Tamil Nadu has increased over sevenfold. “Despite this, some people continue to complain without justification,” he said, taking a veiled swipe at the ruling DMK.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized Tamil Nadu’s central role in India’s development journey, saying, “As Tamil Nadu's potential is realized, the country’s overall development will improve.” He claimed the Centre has allocated three times more funds to the state in the last decade compared to the pre-2014 period.

PM Modi targets INDI alliance, stresses on infrastructure, healthcare, farmers’ welfare and Tamil pride during address.

In a direct appeal to the state government, Modi said, “Medical education should be imparted in Tamil to benefit the poor.” The suggestion aims to make higher education more inclusive for native Tamil speakers from underprivileged backgrounds.

Without naming the ruling DMK, PM Modi accused some in Tamil Nadu of politicising Centre-state financial relations. “Despite increased allocation by the Centre, some still cry over funds,” he remarked, hinting at friction over resource sharing.

Invoking Lord Ram, Modi said his ideals of good governance formed the foundation for nation-building. Speaking from the temple town, he drew a symbolic connection between spiritual heritage and modern governance.

A key highlight was the inauguration of the new Pamban Bridge, touted as India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge. “Big ships will be able to sail and trains will travel faster. It supports both ease of doing business and ease of travel,” Modi said, adding that the bridge would benefit lakhs of people.

PM Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated projects worth over ?8,300 crore to the nation, calling them a major step in boosting road and rail connectivity in the region. “These projects will boost connectivity and development. I congratulate my brothers and sisters in Tamil Nadu for this achievement,” he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated upon his arrival in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, where he was accompanied by Governor RN Ravi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The visit began with prayers at the sacred Ramanathaswamy Temple. “I feel blessed that I could pray at the Ramanathswamy Temple today,” the PM said, setting the tone for a visit that merged heritage with development.

Felicitated upon arrival, PM visits Ramanathaswamy temple, targets DMK on funds, pitches Tamil-medium medical education.

PM Narendra Modi said, "I feel blessed that I could pray at the Ramanathaswamy temple today. On this special day, I got the opportunity to hand over development works worth Rs 8,300 crores. These rail and road projects will boost connectivity in Tamil Nadu. I congratulate my brother and sisters in Tamil Nadu for these projects."

Lord Ram's good governance, foundation for nation building, said PM Modi in Rameswaram

Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are also present.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Ramanatha Swamy temple on Sunday, on the occasion of Rama Navami, and offered prayers. Wearing traditional attire — a veshti (dhoti), shirt, and angavastram — he visited the temple for the second time in just over a year. His previous visit was ahead of the Pran Pratishta ceremony at the Sri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake sees him off.

PM Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake jointly launch the signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line—a project supported by the Indian government

They also jointly flagged off a train at Anuradhapura Railway Station

PM Narendra Modi, accompanied by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.

"In Anuradhapura with my friend, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake," said PM Modi in a post on X.

PM Modi and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will jointly launch the signalling system for the Maho-Anuradhapura railway line—a project supported by the Indian government; they will also launch the railway track of the Maho-Omanthai railway line today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday highlighted the cross-party support in Sri Lanka for the "special partnership" between the two nations during his meeting with Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa. Modi arrived in Colombo on Friday evening after wrapping up his visit to Bangkok, where he participated in the Bimstec (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit.

Among the important takeaways from Narendra Modi's fourth visit to Sri Lanka as prime minister was a tripartite agreement - also involving the UAE - to develop the coastal district of Trincomalee in the country's northeastern part as an energy hub. Announcing the project in the traditionally Tamil-majority area, which will include a multi-product pipeline, Modi said all Sri Lankans will benefit from it.

Sri Lanka's deputy minister of foreign affairs, Arun Hemachandra, praised the Mitra Vibhushana award conferred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. Hemachandra noted that the award reflects the strong diplomatic ties and connectivity between the two nations, adding that the new Sri Lankan government is committed to closer collaboration with India. He also highlighted the warm reception Sri Lanka received during the recent visit of President Dissanayake to India, and emphasized India's consistent support, particularly during times of crisis, through its "Neighborhood First" policy.

Hemachandra expressed optimism about the future of bilateral relations, expecting more treaties and increased coordination. Prime Minister Modi, in his gratitude, acknowledged the honor as a symbol of the deep-rooted friendship between India and Sri Lanka. Modi's visit to Colombo, marking his first since 2019, followed his attendance at the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand.

M. Senthil Thondaman, President of Sri Lanka's Ceylon Workers' Congress, expressed satisfaction with Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, praising him as an inspiring figure. He noted that PM Modi has consistently fulfilled his commitments to Sri Lanka, strengthening ties with each visit. Thondaman emphasized that Modi’s support extends beyond times of crisis, highlighting ongoing cooperation in development projects, especially for the Indian-Origin Tamil (IOT) community in Sri Lanka.

During his visit, PM Modi met with IOT leaders and reiterated India’s strong commitment to their welfare. India will support the construction of 10,000 houses, healthcare facilities, and the development of the Seetha Eliya temple. Modi also emphasized the IOT community as a "living bridge" between India and Sri Lanka, with historical ties spanning over 200 years.

This visit, marking his first since 2019, was highlighted by a historic ceremonial welcome in Colombo, the first such honor for a visiting leader in Sri Lanka’s history.

Sri Lanka’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, Arun Hemachandra, expressed confidence in the growing relationship between New Delhi and Colombo. He emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening ties with India, acknowledging the immense support the country has received. Hemachandra noted that past doubts have been clarified, and the two nations now share a strong, fruitful relationship.

Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary of Sri Lanka's Ministry of Digital Economy, praised the decision to award Prime Minister Narendra Modi the 'Mitra Vibhushana', Sri Lanka's highest civilian honour. Dhanapala highlighted India's continued support through training programs and cooperation.

During his state visit, PM Modi received a historic ceremonial welcome in Colombo and was honored by President Dissanayake with the 'Mitra Vibhushana'. He also visited the Indian Peace Keeping Force Memorial, paying tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Sri Lanka’s peace and unity. Modi further engaged with the Indian-Origin Tamil community, emphasizing its role as a living bridge between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Saturday marked a significant step in enhancing bilateral ties, particularly in defence and energy sectors. Modi, the first foreign leader to visit Sri Lanka since President Dissanayake took office, was ceremonially welcomed at Independence Square.

During the discussions, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation was signed, alongside another MoU involving India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE for developing Trincomalee as an energy hub. Key projects, including a multi-product pipeline, are expected under this framework.

The leaders focused on strengthening areas such as connectivity, economic ties, defence, and reconciliation. Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to Sri Lanka's economic recovery and regional stability under India’s "Neighbourhood First" policy. The two countries also virtually inaugurated projects, including solar rooftop units and the Sampur Solar power plant.

Modi announced support for key Sri Lankan cultural sites and capacity-building programs. He also committed to sending Holy Relics of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka for the Vesak Day celebrations, deepening the shared Buddhist heritage.

Sri Lankan President Anura Dissanayake discussed concerns over the Trump administration's 44% tariff on Sri Lanka with PM Modi, fearing it could hinder recovery. Modi reassured Dissanayake of India’s support, emphasizing the importance of strengthening economic ties to mitigate the fallout from these geoeconomic challenges, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.