India, Malaysia launch security dialogue, pledge closer cooperation

New Delhi, Jan 7: India and Malaysia convened their first Security Dialogue on January 7, 2025, marking a major step ahead in strengthening bilateral ties in defence and security. The dialogue was co-chaired by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Raja Dato’ Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin, Director General of Malaysia’s National Security Council.

The meeting in New Delhi focused on exchanging perspectives on global and regional security dynamics and reviewing ongoing bilateral collaborations. Both sides committed to deepening partnerships in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, the defence industry, and maritime security. Emerging areas of cooperation, such as critical minerals and rare earths, were also explored.

The dialogue reflects the growing convergence between India and Malaysia on security challenges. During the security dialogue, both sides exchanged views on the global and regional security environment and reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation in the fields of security, defence, and maritime. The two sides also agreed to broaden cooperation in counter-terrorism and deradicalisation, cyber security, the defence industry, and maritime security. In addition, they also explored ways to enhance collaboration in critical minerals and rare earths. It was agreed that the dialogue should be institutionalised by holding annual meetings.

This platform will enable both nations to effectively align their efforts to address shared security concerns and foster regional stability.”

The Security Dialogue came just after Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited India in August 2024, during which bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. At the time, both Anwar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the need to enhance cooperation in defence and security.