Malaysian PM to meet Modi; Zakir Naik issue unresolved.
Malaysia has consistently rejected India’s request for the extradition of controversial preacher Zakir Naik, citing concerns over potential political persecution. The issue has been a point of contention between the two nations, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising it directly with then-Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during a meeting in 2019. Despite India’s persistent efforts, Malaysia has maintained its stance, emphasizing legal and humanitarian considerations. As Modi prepares to meet the current Malaysian PM, the unresolved matter of Naik’s extradition remains a sensitive topic in bilateral relations.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s Visit to India: A New Chapter in Bilateral Ties
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to arrive in New Delhi on Monday, August 18, 2024, for a highly anticipated three-day official visit. This visit marks a significant moment in the evolving relationship between Malaysia and India, with both countries looking to deepen their ties across multiple sectors. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India has announced that during this visit, Prime Minister Anwar and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will engage in a series of high-level discussions, culminating in the signing of several key agreements aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
A Renewed Focus on Strategic and Economic Cooperation
The visit is expected to be a milestone in the bilateral relationship, as the two leaders are set to chart out a comprehensive “multi-sectoral cooperation agenda.” This agenda will focus on strengthening trade ties, expanding strategic partnerships, and enhancing people-to-people connections. Both countries have recognized the importance of diversifying and deepening their economic and strategic engagement, especially in the current global environment where geopolitical shifts and economic uncertainties have highlighted the need for stronger regional partnerships.
India and Malaysia have long shared a history of strong diplomatic and economic relations. Malaysia is one of India’s most significant trading partners in Southeast Asia, with bilateral trade reaching new heights in recent years. The two nations have cooperated in various sectors, including information technology, infrastructure development, and education. However, this visit is expected to take the relationship to the next level by exploring new avenues of collaboration, particularly in emerging areas such as digital technology, green energy, and defense.
Enhancing Trade Ties and Economic Engagement
Trade and investment will be at the forefront of discussions between the two leaders. Malaysia and India are keen on boosting bilateral trade, which has seen steady growth but has the potential for much more. The signing of new agreements during this visit is expected to create a more conducive environment for trade, making it easier for businesses in both countries to engage with each other.
India, with its rapidly growing economy, offers a vast market for Malaysian businesses. At the same time, Malaysia’s strategic location and robust economy present significant opportunities for Indian investors. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to further liberalize trade, remove barriers, and facilitate greater investment flows between the two countries. Additionally, there may be discussions on enhancing cooperation in areas such as technology transfer, research and development, and skill development, which could further boost economic ties.
Strategic and Defense Cooperation
In addition to economic cooperation, strategic and defense ties will also be a key focus of the visit. India and Malaysia share common interests in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and both countries have been working closely to enhance their defense cooperation. The visit is expected to result in agreements that will strengthen defense ties, including joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaboration in defense technology.
The leaders are also likely to discuss regional security issues, particularly in light of the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries have a shared interest in ensuring that the region remains free, open, and inclusive, and they are expected to explore ways to collaborate more closely on this front. This could include initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime security, countering terrorism, and addressing other non-traditional security challenges.
People-to-People Links and Cultural Ties
Another important aspect of the visit will be the focus on enhancing people-to-people links. India and Malaysia have strong cultural and historical ties, with a large Indian diaspora in Malaysia that has contributed significantly to the country’s development. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to further strengthen these ties, including through greater cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and tourism.
The Indian community in Malaysia is one of the largest and most well-integrated Indian diasporas globally, playing a crucial role in the socio-economic fabric of Malaysia. This visit could see the announcement of new initiatives aimed at deepening cultural and educational ties, such as student exchange programs, scholarships, and joint research projects. Additionally, efforts to promote tourism between the two countries could be discussed, with a focus on making travel easier and more accessible for citizens of both nations.
The Zakir Naik Issue: A Sensitive Matter
One issue that is likely to be a topic of discussion, albeit behind closed doors, is the ongoing matter of controversial preacher Zakir Naik. Naik, who is wanted in India on charges of money laundering and hate speech, has been residing in Malaysia since 2016. India has repeatedly requested his extradition, but Malaysia has so far rejected these requests, citing concerns over Naik’s potential persecution in India.
Prime Minister Modi had raised the issue of Naik’s extradition with former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during a meeting in 2019. However, the matter remains unresolved, and it is expected to be brought up again during Anwar Ibrahim’s visit. While the issue is sensitive and could complicate relations, both sides are likely to handle it with caution, seeking a resolution that maintains the broader interests of their bilateral relationship.
Looking Ahead: A New Era of Partnership
As Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit unfolds, it is clear that both India and Malaysia are committed to deepening their partnership across multiple domains. The agreements signed and the discussions held during this visit are expected to lay the groundwork for a new era of cooperation, one that builds on the strong foundation of friendship and shared interests that have characterized the relationship between the two countries for decades. As the two nations look to the future, the visit promises to be a significant step forward in strengthening the ties that bind them.