New Delhi, February 19 (HS): Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh co-chaired the 13th Defence Cooperation Committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. The meeting was co-chaired by Lokman Hakim Bin Ali, Secretary General, Ministry of Defence from Malaysia. The two sides held extensive discussions on effective and practical initiatives to further advance bilateral defence relations and regional and global issues. The two chairmen identified steps to further enhance cooperation in emerging areas like cyber security and AI.
According to the Defence Ministry, both sides expressed happiness over the growing bilateral defence cooperation with regular engagement between the two armed forces in recent years. Along with this, ways to further strengthen existing cooperation in defence industry, maritime security and multilateral relations were discussed. The two sides agreed to establish a joint group to deal with non-traditional maritime security threats. Both sides expressed commitment to fully implement new initiatives under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to India in August 2024.
At the meeting, India and Malaysia also exchanged finalised terms of reference on the establishment of a Strategic Affairs Working Group. This forum will serve as a consultation mechanism between the two sub-committees to advance all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation. This forum will also facilitate close cooperation between the two air forces in the exchange of expertise and best practices in the maintenance of the Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft. Defence Secretary Singh highlighted the potential of the Indian defence industry, particularly its ability to collaborate with Malaysian companies and the armed forces in their capacity enhancement and modernisation.
He congratulated Malaysia on assuming the Chairmanship of ASEAN and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) and wished it the best for hosting this year's ADMM Plus and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting. The Defence Secretary reiterated India's support for Malaysia's efforts as ASEAN Chair in promoting a strong, integrated and prosperous ASEAN, which plays a central role in shaping the emerging dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. He said Malaysia is an important partner in the Indo-Pacific as it has a key role in the three major foreign policy visions i.e. Act East Policy, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Indo-Pacific Ocean.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
