Malaysia backs India on counter-terrorism

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia voiced strong support for India's stand on counterterrorism and emphasised regional peace and prosperity during a visit by an all-party Indian parliamentary delegation following April 22 Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.

Malaysia's deputy minister of national unity, Saraswathy Kandasamy , reaffirmed Kuala Lumpur's zero-tolerance stand on violence. "India is not interested in war, rather the focus is its economic trajectory," she said Monday. "What we heard today was that friendly countries like Malaysia should use its influence to bear upon Pakistan to shun terrorism and work for progress of people."

Saraswathy said Malaysia stood ready to condemn violence and advocate peace when required, echoing India's call for partners to help break cycles of poverty and conflict. The delegation led by JDU MP Sanjay Jha met key Malaysian politicians and officials as part of the final leg of its Asia and Southeast Asia outreach.

Support also came from governing coalition partner DAP. "India took steps to protect its national interest and we hope that we do not see such cross-border terrorist acts in future," DAP's Kulasegaran Murugeson said.

Malaysia's stand marked a shift from 2019, when it appeared to form an alternative Islamic bloc along with Pakistan, and Turkiye. In 2025, Malaysia as ASEAN chair under PM Anwar Ibrahim is embracing a more pragmatic regional role - aligning with India on stability and growth.

At a Sunday interaction with Malaysia's Indian diaspora, National Indian Muslim Unity Council chief coordinator Wira Shahul Dawood praised New Delhi's swift crisis management. "The PM ensured safety of all citizens and it is praiseworthy no violence took place in country," he said, thanking Modi and his govt.