India, Malaysia Strengthen Defence Ties at 13th MIDCOM Meeting in Kuala Lumpur

GG News Bureau
Kuala Lumpur, 19th Feb. India and Malaysia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening defence cooperation at the 13th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meeting, co-chaired by India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Malaysia’s Defence Secretary General Lokman Hakim Bin Ali.

The meeting covered key areas, including defence industry collaboration, maritime security, multilateral engagements, and emerging domains such as cyber security and artificial intelligence. Both sides agreed to establish a joint focus group to address non-traditional maritime security threats.

A significant outcome was the exchange of finalised Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Strategic Affairs Working Group, which will serve as an intermediate consultative platform to enhance bilateral defence initiatives. Additionally, the Su-30 Forum was established to facilitate closer cooperation between the two Air Forces in aircraft maintenance and operational expertise.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities and its potential to collaborate with Malaysian defence companies. He also extended support for Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN and its role in regional security through the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.

India views Malaysia as a key partner in its Indo-Pacific strategy, aligning with its Act East Policy, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), and Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. The meeting reinforced both nations’ commitment to a strong and resilient security partnership in the region.