New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday reiterated that India’s stand on terrorism remains firm and uncompromising, declaring that there can be no double standards in dealing with the menace. Speaking during his visit to Malaysia, he said New Delhi will continue to support every initiative aimed at promoting peace and stability.
Modi congratulated Malaysia on its successful ASEAN chairmanship and emphasised that the Indo-Pacific region is committed to development and security. India, he said, attaches great importance to ASEAN centrality and views the region as the new growth engine of the world.
The Prime Minister’s remarks came amid indications that the issue of fugitive preacher Zakir Naik would figure in his discussions with Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim. Indian officials had earlier stated that all pending matters, including Naik’s extradition, would be part of the bilateral dialogue. New Delhi has been pursuing the case through established legal and diplomatic channels.
Malaysian Prime Minister Ibrahim had previously stated that his country would not tolerate terrorism if credible evidence was presented. Naik faces allegations in India related to money laundering and hate speech, and his television channel has been banned in several countries for promoting controversial content. He has also been denied entry into Canada and the United Kingdom.
During wide ranging talks, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in defence, trade, semiconductors, digital technology, health and food security. Modi described India and Malaysia as maritime neighbours with centuries old cultural links and said the relationship holds a special place for both nations. Malaysia, he noted, is home to one of the largest communities of Indian origin in the world.
Ibrahim praised India’s economic rise and said collaboration in investment, connectivity and security continues to grow steadily. Both sides decided to strengthen counterterrorism coordination, intelligence sharing and maritime cooperation to ensure regional stability.
Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday to a ceremonial welcome and later joined a large diaspora gathering where he highlighted the contribution of the Indian community, particularly the Tamil diaspora, in preserving culture and traditions. He thanked Ibrahim for the warm reception and recalled their long personal friendship.
Calling his visit the first overseas trip of the year, the Prime Minister said India and Malaysia are working under the idea of collective transformation to take the partnership to new heights. The two day visit is aimed at giving fresh momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between the two countries in 2024.
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