Even before ‘diplomatic channels’ could work to resolve trade row with India, Kuala Lumpur hastens on to strike a deal with Islamabad; India set to level ‘stronger’ measures
New Delhi: After rubbing India the wrong way, by interfering in its domestic issues sensitive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Malaysia has further irked New Delhi no ends by wooing Pakistan with trade deal. Malaysia has established a bilateral dialogue with India’s arch enemy in its neighborhood, to explore various issues of common interest, including enhancement of trade and business.
The move from Kuala Lumpur comes after India registered its strong displeasure over the false statements made by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Muhammad first on Kashmir, and then on the Citizenship law.
A miffed India, imposed stiff restrictions on import of refined palm oil from Malaysia. However, while claiming that ‘diplomatic channels’ were being used to resolve concerns with India, Malaysia decided to expand its palm oil trade with Pakistan. Furthermore, by terming Pakistan as a ‘dependable’ nation, Kuala Lumpur is set to deepen its ties with Islamabad.
Malaysian Primary Industries Minister Teresa Kok was quoted saying, Pakistan is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most regular and dependable buyers of local palm oil and products. She was quoted after her meeting with Pakistan’s Adviser for Commerce, Textiles, Industry and Production and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood on January 12. According to the numbers reflected in her official statement, Pakistan imported 1.16 million metric tons of palm oil from Malaysia in 2018, which was valued at $730 million.
Minister Kok also emphasized that palm oil has the potential for higher consumption in Pakistan given that its local production of oils and fats meets only around 20 percent of its consumption needs. Thus, she claimed that the two nations have also discussed avenues to further expand Malaysian palm oil share in Pakistan’s growing market.
Meanwhile, upset over Malaysia’s interference in India’s internal affairs, the Prime Minister Modi-led government is preparing to teach Kuala Lumpur a strong lesson.
A few days back, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had summoned the Charge d’Affairs of Malaysian Embassy on the statements released by their Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya. As per reports, MEA also conveyed that such remarks are both ill-informed and insensitive, adding Malaysia was asked to take a long-term and strategic view of the relations between the two countries.
However, a mere diplomatic summons is not strong enough to put Malaysia in check, which titled towards Pakistan, India is now mulling over possible ‘stronger’ measures.
Indian officials strictly monitoring quality of Malaysian Microprocessor’s
According to sources, custom officials have been directed to keep a close watch on quality control of microprocessors imported from Malaysia. These chips are used in making telecom devices. India is mulling over banning microprocessor chips imported from Malaysia on technical grounds.
Indian ban triggers panic in Malaysian markets
There is panic in Malaysian markets after India imposed a ban on palm oil. Malaysian traders are facing losses as they are not getting access to India’s large market. Many traders have also criticized the Malaysian Prime Minister for his ill-timed, insensitive remarks. Besides this, chiefs of two Malaysian provinces have also publicly criticized Mahathir Muhammad’s stance.
