VISIT OF Narendra Modi: BETWEEN DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT AND THE DEMAND FOR JUSTICE FOR OPPRESSED MUSLIMS AND T HE SPREAD OF HINDUTVA IDEOLOGY

MAPIM’s POSITION

VISIT OF Narendra Modi: BETWEEN DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT AND THE DEMAND FOR JUSTICE FOR OPPRESSED MUSLIMS AND T HE SPREAD OF HINDUTVA IDEOLOGY

Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia (MAPIM) views the official visit of Narendra Modi to Malaysia as a critical test of the clarity of Malaysia’s foreign policy principles, its moral courage, and its commitment to universal justice.

Diplomatic relations between nations are normal and necessary. However, principled diplomacy cannot be separated from moral responsibility, especially when confronted with systematic oppression of minorities, particularly Muslims in India.

MAPIM wishes to state the following key positions:

First: diplomatic relations do not require silence in the face of injustice.

Economic, trade, and geopolitical cooperation should not prevent Malaysia from expressing serious concern over human rights violations, religion based violence, and discriminatory policies rooted in the Hindutva ideology.

Muslims in India are facing deeply alarming realities:

• Shrinking space for religious freedom
• Discriminatory laws enacted in the name of citizenship
• Attacks on mosques and Islamic institutions
• Hate rhetoric that has been normalized within political discourse
  This is not merely an internal matter. It is a humanitarian and universal justice issue. Second: the Hindutva ideology contradicts Malaysia’s principles of diversity and social harmony.

MAPIM takes seriously any direct or indirect attempts to promote narrow, exclusionary religious nationalism that fractures plural societies. Hindutva, in practice, has demonstrated a tendency to deny equality and marginalize minorities.

Malaysia is founded upon mutual respect, diversity, and justice. Extremist ideologies based on religious or ethnic supremacy have no place in Malaysian society.

Third: Malaysia must use its standing with courage and dignity.

As a respected Muslim majority nation on the international stage, Malaysia has a responsibility to raise the plight of Indian Muslims in a firm yet constructive manner. Quiet diplomacy cannot be used as a justification for inaction.

MAPIM urges that the following issues be clearly raised in official engagements:

• Protection of human rights and religious freedom for Muslims in India
• Rejection of religion based violence
• Assurance that state policies are not driven by extremist ideologies
• Respect for the principles of a plural and inclusive society Fourth: economic interests must not override the value of justice.

Development that compromises principles ultimately erodes a nation’s credibility. Malaysia must be seen as a principled partner, not one that remains silent for short term gains.

MAPIM affirms that mature international relations are those that have the courage to speak truth, even to strategic partners.

We call upon the Government of Malaysia to:

• Balance diplomacy with justice
• State a clear position against the oppression of Muslims
• Reject any normalization of extremist ideologies
• Safeguard harmony within Malaysian society
  Justice cannot be compromised in the name of diplomacy.

And diplomacy without principles will ultimately lose its dignity.

Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid
President, MAPIM
Majlis Perundingan Pertubuhan Islam Malaysia
7 February 2026