India is looking to step up defence cooperation with Malaysia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day official visit to the country on February 7 and 8. One of the key proposals under discussion is the sale of Dornier aircraft, along with cooperation on submarines and fighter aircraft, government officials said on Thursday.
Sharing details ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary (East) Periasamy Kumaran said defence ties between the two countries hold strong potential. He noted that India is keen to explore opportunities to sell Dornier aircraft to Malaysia and is also ready to support upgrades and maintenance of existing defence platforms used by the Malaysian armed forces.
Dornier aircraft, submarines and Su-30s on agenda
‘There are many possibilities in defence cooperation. We are looking at the sale of Dornier aircraft,’ Kumaran said. He added that Malaysia operates Scorpene submarines and is currently seeking cooperation for their midlife upgrade and retrofitting. India, he said, is prepared to engage in discussions on this front.
Kumaran also pointed out that both countries operate Su-30 fighter aircraft. In view of this, India has offered proposals related to retrofitting and midlife maintenance of these aircraft. Apart from air and underwater platforms, India is also exploring the possibility of supplying naval platforms from Indian shipyards, further widening the scope of defence engagement.
Strategic partnership and regional cooperation
India and Malaysia have seen their defence relationship grow steadily over the years. The foundation for this cooperation was laid with the signing of a defence cooperation Memorandum of Understanding in 1993. The agreement allows collaboration in areas such as joint ventures, joint development projects, procurement, logistics support, maintenance and training.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit comes about one and a half years after Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to India in August 2024, when the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
Malaysia remains an important partner for India under its Act East Policy, Vision MAHASAGAR and Indo-Pacific vision. As a founding member of ASEAN and its chair in 2025, Malaysia plays a key role in India’s engagement with the region. During the visit, both leaders are expected to review progress under the strategic partnership and hold discussions on trade, investment, defence, security, semiconductors, digital technology, renewable energy, education and healthcare.