Malaysian PM, Japanese Ministers set to visit New Delhi next week
The Hindu
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim's visit to New Delhi to strengthen ties, followed by India-Japan 2+2 talks and Modi's Poland-Ukraine visit.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will visit New Delhi next week, in a visit that is expected to strengthen India-Malaysia ties in strategic, trade and defence cooperation, and discuss major developments in Bangladesh, Gaza and Iran as well.
With the Parliament session over, the visit is one of a number upcoming diplomatic outreaches. New Delhi is set to host the India-Japan 2+2 with Foreign and Defence Ministers, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will then travel to Poland and Ukraine.
Mr. Ibrahim’s visit to India from August 19-21 is his first since winning elections and taking over as Prime Minister in 2022. His visit will also attempt to smooth over some of the irritants between previous Malaysian governments and India that led to tensions in ties.
Mr. Ibrahim, seen as a moderate reformer, was in Delhi in 2019 as a member of the previous government of Mahathir Mohamad and president of the ruling party, when he had advocated stronger bilateral ties.
Mr. Mohamad had however raised many issues with India, publicly criticising the Modi government over the changes in Jammu and Kashmir and the crackdown on those protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act. Mr. Mohamad’s government also refused to hand over Zakir Naik, the preacher wanted in India on charges of terror activities. India cancelled palm oil imports from Malaysia in retaliation.
In 2020, New Delhi’s decision to detain 2,500 foreigners from 45 countries, largely from Malaysia and Indonesia, who had come to Delhi for the “Tablighi Jamaat” conference had also roiled ties. However, with Mr. Ibrahim’s win, the two countries have essayed new ties, including earlier this year, when External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Kuala Lumpur and and hailed Mr. Ibrahim’s “vision” for an ambitious bilateral agenda.
Coinciding with Mr. Ibrahim’s visit, Mr. Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold the India-Japan 2+2 talks with their counterparts Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defence Minister Minoru Kihara in Delhi.
U.S. may soon lift sanctions on Venezuela to aid oil sales and economic recovery, says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Maduro loyalists rally in Caracas as the Venezuelan government seeks to strengthen ties with the U.S. amid political turmoil.
Activists report 116 deaths in Iran protests against theocracy, amid state media's portrayal of control and casualties.
North Korea demands an explanation from South Korea over a drone incursion, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Kurdish fighters in Syria agree to evacuate Aleppo under a ceasefire, transporting members to northeastern regions.
Myanmar holds the second phase of a controversial military-run election, with low turnout and criticism from international observers.
Thousands protest in Minneapolis and nationwide against ICE violence following fatal shootings, urging peaceful demonstration amid rising tensions.
Nobel Institute denies Venezuelan leader Machado's attempt to transfer Peace Prize to Trump, affirming the award's permanence.
Six killed in Mississippi shootings; suspect in custody, with authorities ensuring no further threat to the community.
Explore the U.S. strategic interests in Greenland amid geopolitical tensions and the implications for NATO and global security.
Venezuela engages in talks with the U.S. to restore diplomatic ties following the ousting of President Maduro.
Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi may call a snap election to leverage high approval ratings and strengthen her government's majority.
Netanyahu aims to reduce Israel's reliance on U.S. military aid over the next decade, seeking complete independence.