Malaysian PM says no official word from India on potential import restrictions

India is considering restricting imports after Mahathir slammed New Delhi's illegal actions in IOK, say sources

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday he had not received "anything official" from India, after Reuters reported that India was mulling restricting imports of Malaysian palm oil and other products.

"That is only reported, but we have not received anything official," Mahathir told reporters.

India is considering restricting imports of some products from Malaysia including palm oil, Reuters reported, citing government and industry sources, in reaction to Mahathir slamming New Delhi for its illegal and unilateral actions in Occupied Kashmir.

“Despite UN resolution on Jammu and Kashmir, the country has been invaded and occupied. India should work with Pakistan to resolve this problem as ignoring the UN will lead to other forms of disregard for the UN and the rule of Law,” he was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan.



India, the world’s biggest importer of edible oils, is planning to substitute Malaysian palm oil with supplies of edible oils from countries like Indonesia, Argentina and Ukraine, said the sources.

Palm oil accounts for nearly two-thirds of India’s total edible oil imports. India buys more than 9 million tonnes of palm oil annually, mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia.

In the first nine months of 2019, India was the biggest buyer of Malaysian palm oil, taking 3.9 million tonnes, according to data compiled by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board.

A spokesperson for India’s commerce ministry said the ministry cannot comment on things that are under consideration.