Zakir Naik Case in Focus as PM Modi Arrives in Kuala Lumpur; MEA Says 'Hope To Get Outcome We Desire'
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Malaysia, the controversial extradition of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik will be a key discussion point. Naik, wanted in India for money laundering and inciting extremism, has been living in Malaysia since 2016.
The extradition of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik will figure in discussions during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Malaysia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. PM Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday for wide-ranging talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
"As far as the question of Zakir Naik is concerned, I can assure you that all issues will be discussed during the visit," Secretary (East) P Kumaran said during a special MEA briefing in New Delhi on February 5. "We will probably continue to take up the issue until all technical procedures are completed, and we hope to get the outcome that we desire," he added.
Naik, wanted in India for alleged money laundering and inciting extremism through hate speeches, left the country in 2016. He was granted permanent residency in Malaysia by the previous government led by Mahathir Mohamed. The NIA had first registered a case against Naik under anti-terror laws in 2016.
Naik’s Mumbai-based non-government organisation, Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), has been declared an unlawful association by the Union Home Ministry.
Modi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday and was received by Anwar Ibrahim at the airport. "Landed in Kuala Lumpur. Deeply touched by the warm welcome extended by my friend, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the airport. I look forward to our conversations and to further strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Malaysia," Modi said in a post on X.
The visit comes days after the MEA outlined the agenda, which includes defence cooperation, trade, digital public infrastructure and people-to-people ties.
During the February 5 briefing, Kumaran said India had used recent engagements to explain its position on internal security and counter-terrorism. “We had an opportunity to try and explain to various interlocutors our position on terrorism, the kind of steps we take as part of our counter-terrorism activity and why a lot of it is something that requires a strong response from us from time to time because of provocations caused by cross-border terrorism,” he said.
Beyond security issues, Modi’s visit is expected to focus on strengthening the India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, elevated in August 2024. The leaders are expected to review cooperation in defence, semiconductors, renewable energy, trade and digital technologies.
India and Malaysia are also discussing defence platforms, upgrades of military equipment and maritime cooperation. Officials said India has offered proposals for aircraft upgrades and naval collaboration.
In his departure statement, Modi said, “The historic ties between India and Malaysia have seen steadfast progress in recent years. I look forward to my discussions with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and further enhancing our comprehensive strategic partnership.”
Source:
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Malaysia, the controversial extradition of Islamic preacher Zakir Naik will be a key discussion point. Naik, wanted in India for money laundering and inciting extremism, has been living in Malaysia since 2016. , India News, Times Now
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