KUALA LUMPUR, 15 JULY – Malaysia and India have initiated a fruitful and productive defence dialogue, focused on measures to realise the full potential of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership (ESP).
A joint statement said that both sides discussed initiatives to further expand bilateral defence ties, with a particular focus on identifying ways to strengthen industrial cooperation.
They also exchanged views on matters of bilateral importance, cooperation in international fora, values of democracy and rule of law in their 65 years’ relationship.
“They reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the ESP based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and the rule of law.
“They agreed to the next Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting (MIDCOM) meeting which is being planned in India later this year,” the statement said, following the three-day visit of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Malaysia.
Rajnath held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, his counterpart Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, discussing on a wide range of issues to further deepen bilateral defence and strategic ties.
His visit was the first after the establishment of the ESP during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia in 2015.
Rajnath deeply appreciated Anwar’s positive approach and interest towards further deepening India-Malaysia bilateral relations.
He conveyed to Anwar of Modi’s appreciation of the strong cultural bonds between our two nations.
The statement added that Rajnath had an excellent meeting with Mohamad, where they reviewed the diverse pillars of the extensive bilateral defence engagement and discussed the roadmap for the 4th decade of MIDCOM to be held later in India this year.
Rajnath highlighted the potential of the Indian defence industry with the capacity and capability to cooperate with the Malaysian Armed Forces in its inventory for the modernisation and maintenance plans – including that of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKM.
It is learnt that both Rajnath and Mohamad approved amendments in the ‘Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation’ between India and Malaysia signed in 1993, through the ‘Exchange of Letters’ (EoL).
“This amendment is expected to act as an enabler to expand bilateral defence cooperation in the areas of mutual interest and explore new initiatives to further strengthen the engagements.
“India and Malaysia have a common interest in peace and prosperity of the entire Indo-Pacific region. The two democracies have a robust and multifaceted relationship which has expanded into several strategic areas, including defence and security.
“India’s recognises Asean’s centrality and the importance of peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“India gave an assurance to partner Malaysia in its efforts to accelerate self-reliance of the Malaysian defence industry,” said the statement.
Separately, Rajnath was introduced to a 99-year-old Second Lieutenant Sundaram, an Indian National Army veteran who fought alongside freedom-fighter Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at the Burma border.
Rajnath described Bose as an icon of bravery, leadership, and patriotism: “I am honoured to unveil the bust of Bose in the presence of distinguished INA veterans in Kuala Lumpur. Bose and the INA have an important legacy, where he continues to inspire generations in India and Malaysia.
Rajnath also opened Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s regional office at Plaza Central in Kuala Lumpur, to enhance marketing India’s indigenously developed single-engine, multi-role fighter jet Tejas.
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia B. Nagabhushana Reddy said that Rajnath’s visit took place against the backdrop of excellent collaboration between both countries in the Armed Forces tri-services – army, navy, and air force.
“Defence industry collaboration, and defence research and development with Malaysia are beginning to take roots in a firm manner,” Reddy said at a dinner reception for Rajnath at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur Hotel at the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
Present were Human Resources Minister V. Sivakumar and representatives from Malaysia’s Defence Ministry and the Indian diaspora. – airtimes.my
