While India and Malaysia will seek to strengthen trade and defense ties during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s weekend visit to Kuala Lumpur, India is also likely to raise the issue of extraditing fugitive Zakir Naik. Several memorandums of understanding are likely to be signed during the visit, including one to collaborate with Malaysia’s booming semiconductor industry.“During past visits, we had an opportunity to discuss the issue at various levels. And, we may continue to discuss the issue until all technical procedures are completed and we hope to get the results we want,” MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran said in response to a question on Naik.India and Malaysia have an extradition treaty, but as Malaysia insists, the case will be resolved based on judicial considerations. The official said Modi and Anwar Ibrahim will review the progress of the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, especially in priority areas of cooperation such as trade, investment, defence, security, semiconductors, digital technology, renewable energy, education, healthcare and people-to-people exchanges.Kumaran also highlighted the potential for defense cooperation between the two countries, saying India was considering selling Dornier aircraft to Malaysia. “Malaysia also has Scorpene-class submarines. We are looking for opportunities to try cooperation, especially in terms of mid-term upgrades, modifications, etc.,” the official said.
