New Delhi, Sep 17 (UNI) Hours after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad said that his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi did not insist on extradition of radical tele evangelist Zakir Naik, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar made it categorically clear that India wants the Islamic preacher back.
"Let me make it very clear for records....that there is an extradition request for Zakir Naik. We want Zakir Naik back and that is what we are working towards," Dr Jaishankar told reporters here answering questions.
He said since January 2018, there is a formal extradition request made with the Malaysian authorities with regard to Zakir Naik who is wanted in India for money laundering and other charges.
"....we have been relentlessly pursuing for extradition on this matter at all levels," the Minister said.
Answering questions, the Minister confirmed that at the Vladivostok talks between PM Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohammad; the issue on Zakir Naik did come up.
"....and the Indian expectation was communicated - and it was decided that officials concerned should meet," he said.
On September 5 at Vladivostok in Mr Modi during his meeting with Malaysian counterpart had raised the issue of extradition of controversial radical Islamic preacher.
"It is true Prime Minister Modi raised the issue. Both the parties have decided that officials will stay in contact regarding the matter," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told reporters here after the meeting.
"This is an important issue for us," Mr Gokhale also has said.
However, Malayasian Prime Minister on Monday told a Malaysian paper that Mr Modi "did not" request for return of Mumbai-born preacher Naik.
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