Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim held extensive talks on various sectors including trade, investment and defence. India and Malaysia decided on Tuesday that the two countries will elevate bilateral relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries signed at least eight agreements, one of which is related to promoting the recruitment of Indian workers in Malaysia and protecting their interests. The main objective of the talks was to give momentum to relations again. The Prime Ministers of India and Malaysia talked about fighting together against terrorism but the issue of Zakir Naik was not raised in the meeting. Naik is accused of money laundering and spreading radicalism.
Islamic preacher Zakir Naik is accused of money laundering and spreading radicalism and the NIA is investigating him. He went to Malaysia in 2016 and did not return. India is continuously demanding his extradition. India also has an extradition treaty with Malaysia. There was speculation about the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister that the Indian government would strongly raise this matter. But this issue is not included even in the joint statement.
Experts believe that India’s focus is on strengthening relations with Malaysia. In fact, when Mahathir was the Prime Minister of Malaysia, he had made adverse comments on the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir and CAA, after which there was bitterness in relations. India had also banned the import of palm oil. Now Mahathir’s government has changed and efforts are being made from both sides to strengthen relations. Talks are going on at the consular level on the issue of Zakir Naik.
Promotion of recruitment of Indians
Ibrahim arrived in Delhi on Monday night on a three-day visit to India. This is his first visit to India as Prime Minister. In a statement issued to the media, Prime Minister Modi said, “We have decided to elevate the India-Malaysia partnership to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership.” The Prime Minister said that the agreement on employment of workers will promote the recruitment of Indians and will also protect their interests.
Highlighting the importance of India-Malaysia economic relations, Modi said bilateral trade is being done in rupees and Malaysian currency ringgit. He said, “We believe there is still a lot of potential in economic cooperation. Bilateral trade and investment should be expanded.”
He said, “We should increase mutual cooperation in new technological areas such as semiconductors, fintech, defense industry, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum. We have emphasized on expediting the review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement between India and Malaysia.” The Prime Minister also said that work will be done to connect India’s digital payment system UPI with Malaysia’s PayNet. Modi said that both the countries have similar approach to deal with terrorism and extremism.
Modi and Ibrahim said together – we will not give shelter to terrorism
A joint statement said that the two leaders stressed that no country should give shelter to terrorists and agreed to work together to bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice soon. Modi described Malaysia as an important partner of India in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Indo-Pacific region. He said, “We agreed that the review of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and ASEAN should be completed on time.”
Pointing to the situation in the South China Sea region, Modi said, “We are committed to the free movement of ships and aircraft in accordance with international laws and advocate peaceful resolution of all disputes.” The provocative actions of the Chinese military in the South China Sea region are constantly increasing.
Glorious history of India: Ibrahim
India and Malaysia also discussed new possibilities of cooperation in the defense sector. The two countries also decided to establish a digital council for cooperation in digital technology and form a start-up alliance. Ibrahim said in his statement that all sensitive or other similar issues were discussed, which reflects the true meaning of friendship between the two countries. He said, “India is a great nation with a glorious history, culture and civilization. It is a multi-cultural and multi-religious country in many ways.” Ibrahim said, “Therefore, we have many similarities beyond trade and investment.”
In the talks between Modi and Ibrahim, it was decided to establish Ayurveda Chair in Malaysia’s Tunku Abdul Rahman University. Apart from this, it was also decided to establish Tiruvalluvar Chair in Malay University.
