India’s public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) is planning to launch services for several countries to boost diplomatic ties and the government’s outreach programmes to Indians settled overseas.

The External Services Division (ESD) of the AIR presently reaches around 150 countries with programmes in 27 languages, of which 14 are targeted at neighbouring countries and Southeast Asia.

ESD’s programming includes news bulletins, commentaries on current affairs, a review of the Indian press, informative talks, interviews, documentaries, features and Indian music of all genres and plays.

New countries which AIR wants to reach include Japan, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Maldives and some in the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Referring to Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recent visit to India, ESD Director Amlanjyoti Mazumdar told PTI that both countries are expanding engagements in number of sectors, hence, the need for a Japanese AIR service.

He said Pakistan has increased its presence in African countries through its new radio services, and India cannot work in “silos”.  The ESD aims to keep the listeners in touch with the ethos of India, its point of view on various issues, highlight trade opportunities in the country, besides projecting it as an education, healthcare and tourist destination.

“Indians today live in almost every country and are interested in knowing what the country of their birth holds for them,” he said.