New Delhi: In a shift in stand on Kashmir, South East Asian nation Malaysia refrained from making any comments even as China and Turkey continuing with anti-India policy made remarks on the first anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 giving special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Under the leadership of former Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir bin Mohamad, Kaula Lumpur had taken an anti-India stance, making remarks on Kashmir. Malaysia under Mahathir was among the three countries–other two being Turkey and China–to raise Kashmir at UNGA meet last year.

Under the new Malaysian government led by PM Muhyiddin Yassin, both sides have been engaging with each other. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to new Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin Hussein immediately after new government took charge in Kuala Lumpur.

Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia Mridul Kumar has also met Malaysian foreign minister Hishammuddin many times. In fact, Indian High Commissioner was the first envoy received by the Malaysian foreign minister on March 18, the day he took charge.

Both sides are strengthening commercial ties, with trade deficit reducing from US$4.3 bn to US$3.4 bn in 2019-20 compared to last year.

Increased rice and sugar, high-speed diesel import has taken place. Under India’s mega repatriation plan the Vande Bharat mission, 42 flights have taken off from Malaysia bringing back 7000 Indians from mid-March till now.

New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur have also been cooperating under the current COVID pandemic with India allowing the export of HCQ and paracetamol to Malaysia.