Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim urges India to address minority issues, hopes for stronger bilateral ties
New Delhi: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during his state visit to India, expressed his concerns regarding the challenges faced by minorities in the country, urging India to address these issues effectively. Speaking at an event hosted by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in Delhi on Tuesday, Ibrahim acknowledged that India is grappling with "some serious issues" concerning minorities and religious sentiments. He expressed hope that India would continue to play its "rightful" role in addressing these matters.
Ibrahim's remarks come amid improving India-Malaysia relations, which had previously been strained following criticism from former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamed over India's internal policies, including the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the enactment of the Citizenship Amendment Act.
During his address, Ibrahim also touched upon the contentious issue of Zakir Naik, a fugitive Islamic preacher currently residing in Malaysia. While noting that the issue was not raised during his discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ibrahim indicated that Malaysia might consider India's request for Naik's extradition if credible evidence is provided. He emphasized that this issue should not hinder the further enhancement of bilateral ties between the two nations.
Praising India's rich historical and democratic values, Ibrahim highlighted the contributions of Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and others who have been instrumental in shaping the country's identity as a beacon of hope and democracy in the region.
Ibrahim's three-day visit to India marks his first since taking office in 2022. During a joint press conference on Tuesday, PM Modi announced that the India-Malaysia partnership had been elevated to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,' with a focus on expanding economic cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, financial technology, defense, and artificial intelligence.
In a significant move, India also agreed to make a one-time export of 200,000 metric tons of non-basmati rice to Malaysia, despite a ban on such shipments, reflecting the deepening ties between the two countries.
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
