KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia warned Wednesday that tensions between India and Pakistan could potentially disrupt rice imports to the heavily dependent South-east Asian nation, prompting it to look elsewhere for supplies.

Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have escalated with India launching strikes on Pakistan following last month’s deadly attack on tourists in the Indian-administered side of the contested Kashmir region.Malaysian Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said nearly 40 per cent of the country’s imported rice came from India and Pakistan.

“Their political and economic stability is crucial for food security in Malaysia,” Mohamad told local daily New Straits Times.