New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Kuala Lumpur on February 7-8, and defense cooperation is a key focus. This visit highlights the growing bond between India and Malaysia as they navigate changes in the Indo-Pacific region.
With rising maritime competition, both nations are eager to strengthen their partnerships in defense. “There’s a lot of promise in defense cooperation,” said P. Kumaran from India’s Ministry of External Affairs during a media briefing. Proposed collaboration includes the sale of Dornier aircraft and joint work on Scorpene submarines. There’s also potential for upgrades on the SU-30 aircraft, which both countries operate. Additionally, India aims to supply naval platforms through its shipyards.
This relationship has evolved since India and Malaysia upgraded their ties to a Strategic Partnership in 2010, and again to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015. Most recently, their ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024. Notably, Malaysia is home to about 2.75 million people of Indian origin, making it the second largest Indian community outside of the U.S.
In today’s context, where competition, especially from China, has intensified, India and Malaysia share a goal: maintaining a stable maritime order. Malaysia’s strategic location near crucial sea routes, like the Strait of Malacca, plays a significant role in global trade and energy. For India, enhancing defense ties with Malaysia is vital for its Act East Policy and overall Indo-Pacific strategy.
Traditionally, India-Malaysia relations focused on training and equipment supply. However, today’s emphasis is on long-term cooperation. Discussions around the Dornier aircraft, Scorpene submarines, and SU-30 upgrades reflect a meaningful shift. This new model not only reduces Malaysia’s reliance on a few defense suppliers but also showcases India’s growing capabilities in defense manufacturing, in line with its ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Naval cooperation stands out as particularly important. India’s reputation as a reliable shipbuilder offers Malaysia a chance to enhance its operational readiness against threats like piracy and illegal fishing, which are key concerns for ASEAN nations.
Former Indian diplomat Amit Dasgupta notes that this defense collaboration aligns with India’s broader strategy. “India-Malaysia defense cooperation isn’t about confronting China,” he explained. Instead, it’s about meeting Malaysia’s security needs, which reflects the country’s desire for diverse defense options.
K. Yhome from the Asian Confluence think tank adds that Malaysia is actively pursuing a strategy to diversify its defense partnerships. The country’s recent National Defense Industry Policy (NDIP) aims to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce dependence on any single country.
As geopolitical uncertainties grow in the Indo-Pacific, India-Malaysia defense cooperation not only offers practical security benefits but also represents a shared vision for a stable regional order. This partnership underscores their commitment to sovereignty and a balanced approach in a multipolar world.
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