By A. Ananthalakshmi and Krishna N. Das
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia is considering raising imports of raw sugar and buffalo meat from India, potentially easing trade tensions after reports New Delhi could restrict Malaysian palm oil imports following the country's criticism of India's actions in Kashmir.
Malaysia is the world's second largest producer and exporter of palm oil after Indonesia. Its benchmark palm oil futures
The country's Ministry of Primary Industries, which handles palm oil matters, said in a statement that it made the decision in light of India's importance as Malaysia's third-largest export destination in 2018 for palm oil and palm-based products worth 6.84 billion ringgit ($1.63 billion).
"The minister views with concern recent news reports regarding unfavorable bilateral relations between Malaysia and India as both countries have enjoyed strong and comprehensive relations for more than six decades," the statement said, referring to Teresa Kok, the Malaysian minister in charge of the palm oil portfolio.
"Malaysia is open to further trade negotiations to address India’s concerns on the trade imbalance between both countries."
The edible oil contributed 2.8% of Malaysia's gross domestic product last year and 4.5% to total exports. The palm oil industry is one of the biggest employers in the Southeast Asian country of 32 million people.
The statement added that Malaysia was also considering importing raw sugar from India from next year. India is the world's biggest exporter of buffalo meat and the biggest producer of sugar, which it is struggling to export due to weak global prices.
Reuters reported last week that India was considering curbing imports of some products from Malaysia, including palm oil, after Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said at the U.N. general assembly last month that India had "invaded and occupied" Kashmir, a disputed Muslim-majority region also claimed by Pakistan.
India stripped its portion of the Kashmir valley of statehood and autonomy on Aug. 5.
Malaysia's exports to India were worth $10.8 billion in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, while imports totaled $6.4 billion.
Some Indian traders said refiners had already stopped buying Malaysian palm oil for shipment in November and December, fearing higher import taxes or other measures.
Twitter users in India and Malaysia have sparred with each other over Kashmir. A #BoycottMalaysia call recently trended on social media in India.
India's foreign ministry has rebuked Malaysia for its stance on Kashmir, asking it to "bear in mind the friendly relations between the two countries and desist from making such comments".
"It's a pity that we have this low point in India-Malaysia relations," said Hasmy Agam, a former Malaysian diplomat.
"I hope the foreign ministries of both countries will try to do something to make sure not to create more divisions between countries that have had close ties."