The two sides conducted wide-ranging discussions on effective and practical initiatives to further expand bilateral defence engagements, as well as regional and global issues. Both chairs identified steps to enhance cooperation in emerging areas such as cybersecurity and AI. They also explored ways to deepen existing collaboration, particularly in the defence industry, maritime security, and multilateral engagements. They agreed to form a joint focus group to address non-traditional maritime security threats.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement new initiatives under the defence pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as envisioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the latter’s visit to India in August 2024.

India and Malaysia also exchanged the finalized Terms of Reference (ToR) for the establishment of a Strategic Affairs Working Group. This forum will serve as an intermediate consultative mechanism between MIDCOM and the two sub-committees to advance all aspects of bilateral defence cooperation.

Additionally, both sides exchanged the finalized ToR for the establishment of a Su-30 Forum, an outcome of MIDCOM. The Su-30 Forum will facilitate closer cooperation between the two air forces in sharing expertise and best practices in Su-30 maintenance.

The Defence Secretary highlighted the capabilities of the Indian defence industry, particularly its potential to collaborate with Malaysian companies and armed forces in enhancing and modernizing their capabilities. He congratulated Malaysia on assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus, wishing the Malaysian Ministry of Defence the best for conducting the ADMM Plus and ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting this year.

India supports ASEAN centrality and unity, which is a crucial element of India’s Indo-Pacific Vision. The Defence Secretary reiterated India’s support for Malaysia’s efforts as ASEAN chair in promoting a stronger, unified, and prosperous ASEAN that plays a central role in shaping the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.

India considers Malaysia an important partner in the Indo-Pacific, as Malaysia lies at the confluence of three key foreign policy visions: the Act East Policy, SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. This news underscores the commitment of both countries to strengthen defence cooperation and ensure regional stability.