It was reported that it was one of several issues the two leaders discussed.

It was not clear if Mahathir gave any assurance that Putrajaya would send Naik back to India.

Addressing the media after the bilateral meeting between Modi and Mahathir, India’s Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said: “Prime Minister Modi raised the issue of Zakir Naik’s extradition. Both the parties have decided that our officials will stay in contact regarding the matter and it is an important issue for us.”

Naik, who is wanted in India for questioning, was granted permanent resident status in Malaysia by the previous Barisan Nasional government.

He recently created a furore over his remarks about Indians and Chinese and has been barred by police from making speeches.

According to the Business Standard, India had made a formal request to Malaysia for Naik to be sent back to face the law and that it would continue to pursue his extradition.

The Muslim preacher is facing charges of inciting communal disharmony and committing unlawful activities in India but has refused to return home to clear his name.

Gokhale also told the Indian media that Modi told Mahathir he was looking forward to working closely with Malaysia.

Gokhale was quoted as saying Mahathir acknowledged that there was growing trade between the two countries and that Malaysia would consider importing more from India.

Modi also explained to Mahathir the rationale behind the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

Mahathir and Modi are among leaders of various nations who have gathered in the port city of Vladivostok in Russia for the forum.

Modi was one of the first leaders to call on Mahathir soon after last year’s general election which brought Pakatan Harapan to power.