On June 27, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a video conference with Malaysian Senior Defence Minister YB Dato ‘Seri HishammuddinTun Hussein. A wide range of issues related to bilateral, regional and defence industry cooperation was discussed during the meeting.

Defence minister Rajnath Singh congratulated Dato ‘Seri HishammuddinTun Hussein on his appointment as Senior Defence Minister in August 2021. Both ministers expressed interest in further strengthening the already strong India-Malaysia defence cooperation.

The two ministers discussed existing defence cooperation activities and frameworks and ways to further enhance them under the existing Malaysia India Defence Cooperation Conference (MIDCOM) framework.

The next MIDCOM is scheduled for July 2022, and it was decided to use the platform to engage more deeply in defence. Rajnath Singh highlighted areas where the Indian defence industry can help Malaysia. He suggested that senior Malaysian officials visit India to experience first-hand the facilities and products of the Indian defence industry.

Malaysia’s top defence minister said it was necessary to include women in peacekeeping missions. The two sides agreed to engage with each other on this issue.

It was also agreed to increase the capacity of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Rajnath Singh also invited Malaysia’s top defence minister to visit India at an early date to discuss closer strategic defence ties.