Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, engaged in extensive discussions with his Malaysian counterpart, Dato’ Seri Mohamad Hasan, during a meeting held in Kuala Lumpur on 10 July 2023. The purpose of the talks was to strengthen bilateral defence ties and further promote India’s ‘Act East Policy’.
Had an excellent meeting with the Defence Minister of Malaysia, Mr. Mohamad Hasan in Kuala Lumpur today.
We reviewed the diverse pillars of the extensive bilateral defence engagement and discussed the roadmap for the 4th Decade of India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation. @tokmatn9 pic.twitter.com/XcraEavywL
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 10, 2023
Additionally, Singh also had a meeting with Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim and held discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Zambry Abd Kadir.
Called on the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mr @anwaribrahim in Kuala Lumpur.
Deeply appreciate his positive approach and interest towards further deepening India-Malaysia bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/9u61wrds7t
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 10, 2023
Fruitful meeting with the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, H.E. Dr Zambry Adbul Kadir.
Discussed wide range of issues of mutual interest aimed at further strengthening India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership.@zambryofficial pic.twitter.com/s09NuR3SZR— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 10, 2023
The discussions mainly focused on enhancing industrial cooperation and implementing the Enhanced Strategic Partnership, based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law. Both ministers approved an amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation, facilitating increased bilateral defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Defence Minister also conveyed warm greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Malaysian counterparts, emphasizing the strong cultural bonds between the two nations. The meeting concluded with discussions on ASEAN centrality, the Indo-Pacific region’s peace and stability, and India’s commitment to supporting Malaysia in its self-reliance efforts in the defence industry. During the visit, Second Lieutenant Sundaram, a 99-year-old veteran who served alongside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the Burma border, was honored and recognized for his contributions.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh felicitating Second Lieutenant Sundaram, an INA veteran who fought alongside Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Burma border at an event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is 99 years old. pic.twitter.com/r19BY7P6Y2
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 10, 2023
This visit marks the first bilateral engagement since the establishment of the Enhanced Strategic Partnership in 2015, announced during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Malaysia.
(With inputs from PIB)
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