New Delhi: India’s growing international clout was in full force after India retaliated with economic curbs against Malaysia after that country’s Prime Minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad, spoke against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).Now, Malaysia is now looking for ways to resolve the issue with India.
The Primary Industries Minister of Malaysia, Teresa Kok, said that the country foresee major challenges in some of their major markets. She said one of their main concern was India’s imposition of restrictions on RBD palm oil.
She said, “Despite these developments, the ministry will continuously engage these markets, including through diplomatic channels, to seek amicable solutions to restore market confidence and further strengthen existing and potential markets.”
India is the biggest importer of edible oil importer and Malaysia is the main supplier of refined palm oil. This is also Malaysia’s biggest agricultural export which is 2.8% of its GDP and 4.5% of its total exports.
India’s restrictions could seriously damage the Malaysian economy and could affect their exports and their agriculture sector. This has prompted the country to seek diplomatic channels to resolve the issue with India.
The row between Indian and Malaysia and the decision by India to curb palm oil imports from Malaysia shows the growing power of India in Asia. This bold move by India is a message to other nations not to meddle in the internal affairs of the country.
