Visiting Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha today urged Malaysia to ensure its migrant workers were protected against exploitation as both countries pledged to boost economic, trade and defence cooperation.

"There are some instances where the employers have not treated them well. This is something which both governments have to look at so that their problems are resolved," Sinha told reporters.

He said further talks on the issue would be held between labour officials of both countries.

There are about 30,000 Indians in the Malaysian workforce, mainly in the information technology and services sectors.

Minimum wage

Sinha said Indian authorities would bring "specific cases of hardship" to the notice of Malaysian officials so they could be addressed.

"We want to create an understanding under which it would be possible for the skilled Indian personnel, as and when needed in Malaysia, to come and work in proper conditions," he said.

A Malaysian official told AFP India wanted better protection for its workers, such as minimum wages, and speedy information about any detained by the immigration authorities.

Sinha said India was committed to broaden and deepen political and economic ties between the two countries and announced that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad would visit India from Oct 16 to 17. Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee toured Malaysia in May 2001.

Largest trading partner

Sinha said Malaysia is India's largest trading partner in the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and its 10th largest investor.

In 2001 to 2002, bilateral trade hit RM7.2 billion, he said. Trade is in Malaysia's favour, consisting mainly of palm oil and gas while imports are food and agricultural products.

Sinha said both countries should explore cooperation in new areas such as in information technology, biotechnology, telecommunications and space technology.

In defence, Sinha proposed joint defence exercises with Malaysia to combat piracy and crimes on the seas. India had recently deployed warships in the Malacca Straits to escort merchant ships against pirates.

Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said Malaysia hoped that New Delhi would cut its import tariffs on plam oil so that it prices would be more competitive in the Indian market.

Mutual concern

On labour woes, he said, Malaysia hoped discussions between the labour ministers of both countries would address issues of mutual concern.

Syed Hamid said the scheduled visit by Mahathir next month demonstrates the importance Kuala Lumpur places to forge closer partnership with New Delhi.

Sinha arrived here Thursday for the third Malaysia-India joint commission meeting. Malaysia was represented by Syed Hamid. AFP