UPSC & GPSC · Current Affairs
India & Malaysia Review Bilateral Military Cooperation during 12th SCMC Meeting
Source: PIB Delhi
What’s in News
India and Malaysia held the 12th Sub Committee Meeting on Military Cooperation (SCMC) in New Delhi, reviewing the entire spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.
Key Facts
- The meeting was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence (India) and the Assistant Chief of Staff (Force Development & Training), Malaysian Armed Forces (Malaysia).
- Conducted under the framework of the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
- Both sides agreed to expand military-to-military exchanges, increase participation in professional military courses, and enhance cooperation in maritime security.
- Discussions covered regional security developments, Indo-Pacific stability, and freedom of navigation.
- The meeting was held ahead of the India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation Meeting (MIDCOM).
Static Information
- India-Malaysia defence relations were institutionalised through the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation (1993); the SCMC serves as the principal military consultation mechanism.
- Both countries cooperate in maritime security, counter-terrorism, defence training, and capacity building.
- Freedom of Navigation is a principle under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982; India’s Indo-Pacific vision is based on SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).
- Malaysia is a member of ASEAN; India follows the Act East Policy to deepen engagement with Southeast Asia, with defence cooperation an important pillar of India-ASEAN relations.
Consider the following statements:
1. Malaysia is a member of ASEAN.
2. Freedom of Navigation in international waters is governed by UNCLOS, 1982.
3. SAGAR is India’s initiative for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2 and 3
D. 1 and 3 only
Answer: C) 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct – Malaysia is an ASEAN member, UNCLOS 1982 governs freedom of navigation, and SAGAR is India’s maritime cooperation initiative for the Indian Ocean Region.
