New Delhi

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Malaysia, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said the discussions during the visit will span the full spectrum of bilateral issues, including the matter of fugitive preacher Zakir Naik’s extradition.

Addressing a special media briefing, Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said India would continue to pursue the issue of Zakir Naik with Malaysian authorities through diplomatic channels.

“On the question of Zakir Naik, I can assure you that this matter will be raised during the visit. We have discussed it at different levels in the past as well and will continue to do so until all procedural and technical requirements are completed. We hope the outcome will be in line with our expectations,” Kumaran said.

He added that the visit would also focus on strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade and economic engagement. According to the MEA, India and Malaysia are in talks to jointly review the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with the aim of boosting trade in a balanced and sustainable manner.

“Our two countries are working towards expanding bilateral trade in a mutually beneficial way. Discussions are also underway for a joint review of the CECA,” Kumaran said, noting that Prime Minister Modi will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Malaysia, which numbers nearly 2.9 million.

The issue of Zakir Naik has remained a sensitive point in bilateral engagement. During his visit to India in August 2024, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had said his government would not shield extremism if credible evidence was provided.

Speaking at the 50th Sapru House Lecture at the time, Anwar had said that compelling evidence pointing to acts of violence or extremism by any individual or group would be taken seriously by Malaysia.

Zakir Naik, who is wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency in connection with a 2016 money laundering case, is accused of delivering inflammatory speeches and promoting hate. He runs Peace TV, a channel banned in India and several other countries, and has been denied entry into nations such as the United Kingdom and Canada.

On the broader relationship, Kumaran said both sides would review progress under the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit.

Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Kuala Lumpur on February 7 and 8 at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Modi last visited Malaysia in 2015, during which bilateral ties were upgraded to a strategic partnership.

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“The upcoming visit comes within a year and a half of the elevation of India–Malaysia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s state visit to India in August 2024. It reflects India’s strong commitment to deepening its relationship with Malaysia,” Kumaran said.