THIS January, the India-Malaysia Security Dialogue convened in New Delhi, representing a pivotal advancement in the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The session was co-chaired by Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser, and Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin, Malaysia’s director-general of the National Security Council.
The dialogue highlighted the increasing significance of collaboration on various security matters, such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, defence, and maritime security.
With both nations now members of BRICS, Malaysia serving as the ASEAN Chair, and India participating in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), this partnership has the potential to significantly influence both regional and global security landscapes.
Key areas of collaboration
The India-Malaysia Security Dialogue aimed to enhance collaboration across several vital sectors. Both nations are confronted with the escalating threat of terrorism, which not only jeopardises domestic security but also undermines regional stability.
For India, combating terrorism has been a persistent issue, especially given its history of cross-border terrorism from neighbouring countries to the west.
Similarly, Malaysia, a prominent member of ASEAN, grapples with challenges related to radicalisation and the presence of terrorist organisations in Southeast Asia.
By exchanging intelligence and sharing best practices, both countries can bolster their counterterrorism efforts, disrupt terrorist networks, and mitigate radicalisation.
Their partnership within multilateral frameworks, such as BRICS and ASEAN, can further strengthen their collective response to global terrorism.
Historically, defence relations between India and Malaysia have been amicable; however, the India-Malaysia Security Dialogue paves the way for more profound military collaboration.
This encompasses joint military exercises, exchanges of defence technology, and mutual defence agreements, all of which could enhance the strategic capabilities of both countries.
As India is increasingly recognised as a security pillar in the Indo-Pacific region due to its involvement in the Quad, Malaysia, as a leader within ASEAN, stands to gain from India’s advancements in defence and technology.
This cooperation can also align with ASEAN’s security priorities, providing Malaysia with improved regional security support, particularly in light of territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The Indo-Pacific region plays a pivotal role in global trade and maritime security. Both India and Malaysia, due to their strategically significant locations, recognise the necessity of safeguarding sea lanes and upholding freedom of navigation.
India’s presence in the Indian Ocean, alongside Malaysia’s maritime interests in the South China Sea, creates avenues for collaboration in areas such as maritime patrols, naval exercises, and anti-piracy initiatives.
By synchronising their maritime strategies, India and Malaysia can bolster regional stability, combat illegal fishing, and safeguard essential shipping routes.
The frameworks established by BRICS, ASEAN, and the Quad highlight the significance of maritime security, providing both nations with opportunities to enhance their cooperative efforts.
Benefits for both nations
The partnership between India and Malaysia in the realm of security is set to yield substantial advantages for both nations, given their aligned interests and roles within the region.
Both countries stand to gain from an improved sense of security in their respective areas. As the Chair of ASEAN, Malaysia is tasked with the coordination of regional security initiatives.
By fortifying its relationship with India, Malaysia can ensure that its security priorities, particularly those related to maritime safety and terrorism, are addressed within the broader framework of stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Conversely, India’s role in regional security, especially through its involvement in the Quad, offers Malaysia a strategic ally in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific against emerging threats.
A more robust security partnership between India and Malaysia is likely to facilitate closer economic relations.
As participants in BRICS, both nations are well-positioned to enhance trade and investment in sectors such as technology, infrastructure, and defence.
The established security framework will create a conducive environment for business operations, particularly in critical areas like energy, technology, and defence industries.
Furthermore, collaborative efforts in defence manufacturing could yield economic benefits for both countries.
By deepening their bilateral relations and security collaboration, India and Malaysia will also enhance their diplomatic influence within multilateral organisations such as BRICS, ASEAN, and the Quad.
This partnership enables both nations to present a cohesive position on significant security matters, thereby augmenting their diplomatic power in global dialogues concerning counterterrorism and maritime security.
Conclusion
The India-Malaysia Security Dialogue marks a pivotal development in the relationship between the two nations, especially as they both seek to define their positions within global and regional security frameworks.
As participants in BRICS, ASEAN, and the Quad, the partnership between India and Malaysia serves as a force multiplier, enhancing their capacity to address modern security issues.
By prioritising areas such as counterterrorism, defence, and maritime security, India and Malaysia not only fortify their bilateral relationship but also play a vital role in promoting regional and global stability.
This collaboration is expected to yield advantages not only in security but also in cultivating more profound economic, diplomatic, and technological alliances, thereby ensuring a prosperous future for both countries.
R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd (ARRESCON), a think tank specialising on strategic national and geo-political matters.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.
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