Meeting in New Delhi for the first India- Malaysia Security Dialogue on Tuesday (January 7, 2025), top officials from both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in counter terrorism and deradicalisation in addition to cyber security, defence industry, and maritime security.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both sides exchanged views on the global and regional security environment and reviewed on-going bilateral cooperation in the security, defence and maritime fields. They also explored ways to enhance cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths. It was agreed to institutionalise the dialogue by holding annual meetings.

The first India- Malaysia Security Dialogue was co-chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Director General of the National Security Council of Malaysia Raja Dato Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin.

The MEA pointed out that the dialogue is an outcome of the visit of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to India in August 2024 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

During this visit India- Malaysia bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and both leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral security cooperation.

The two sides also signed a slew of agreements, including a significant one on recruitment, employment and repatriation of workers. Additionally, they inked pacts on boosting cooperation in the area of digital technologies and in tourism in addition to culture, arts, and heritage. 

Close Cooperation in Defence and Security 
India-Malaysia defence relations have grown steadily over the years.The MoU on Defence Cooperation signed in 1993 is the cornerstone of defence relations between the two countries which allows for widening the scope of existing bilateral cooperation to include joint ventures, joint development projects, procurement, logistic and maintenance support and training.

An amendment to the MoU was signed in July 2023, during the visit of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Malaysia. The first regional office of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was also inaugurated in Kuala Lumpur during the visit.  

The army, navy and air force of both countries have been conducting bilateral exercises on a regular basis. The first-ever bilateral air exercise Udara Shakti took place in August 2022. Army contingents from the two countries take part in Exercise Harimau Shakti. Additionally, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard ships make regular port calls at Malaysian ports.