Third India-Malaysia maritime exercise 'Samudra Laksamana' concludes

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 15-03-2024

Third India-Malaysia maritime exercise 'Samudra Laksamana' concludes

Defence 4 min read

Indian and Malaysian navies conducted joint exercise off Visakhapatnam under the third edition of 'Exercise Samudra Laksamana'. According to the Defense Ministry, maritime exercise ‘Samudra Laksamana’ was conducted off Visakhapatnam from 28 February to 2 March 2024.

Objective of joint exercise:

The Defence Ministry said that the aim of the joint exercise is to strengthen relations between the two navies.
Indian Naval Ship Kiltan participated from the Indian side in this maritime exercise. While from the Malaysian side, Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lakir participated in this exercise.
According to a Defense Ministry release, the crews of both the ships also held talks at the port.

Talks held between the two navies on a range of issues:

Under Exercise Samudra Laksamana, the crews of the Indian and Malaysian navies held talks related to various procedures at the port.
Held exchanges, sports events and talks to promote mutual cooperation on various issues of mutual interest.

To increase mutual cooperation between the two countries:

The Defence Ministry said that between the two navies, these talks are aimed at enhancing the knowledge base and sharing best practices. Along with this, mutual cooperation on ocean related aspects has to be further taken forward.
The exercise also aims to strengthen relations and advance mutual understanding between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navies.

India-Malaysia relations:

India and Malaysia established diplomatic relations in 1957.
Economic relations with Malaysia: India and Malaysia have signed a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
SECA is a type of free trade agreement (FTA).
India has also signed an FTA in services and investment with the 10-member Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Malaysia is the 3rd largest trading partner in ASEAN.
Malaysia holds a trade surplus in bilateral trade with India.
Defense Cooperation: Joint military exercise "Harimau Shakti" is conducted annually between the two countries.
Traditional Medicine: India and Malaysia have signed an MoU on cooperation in the field of traditional medicine in October 2010.
The Malaysian government is working to popularize AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) systems in Malaysia.
The AYUSH system is used in Malaysia.
More than 7% of the population in Malaysia is of Indian origin. Malaysia occupies a significant position in India's foreign policy.
Surrounded by busy sea routes such as the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea, Malaysia is also a key pillar of India's Act East policy. It is important for India's maritime connectivity strategies.