'Engagement' with Malaysia a continuing process

By Amit Baruah

KUALA LUMPUR, JAN. 23 High-level defence contacts between India and Malaysia have been renewed on the eve of the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee's visit to Malaysia between February 7 and 10.

A delegation, comprising the Defence Secretary, Mr. Yogendra Narain, the Vice-Chief of Air Staff and the deputy chiefs of Army and Naval Staff, was in Kuala Lumpur last week for a meeting of the Malaysia-India Defence Committee (MIDCOM).

Informed sources said, the two sides held detailed discussions and agreed to share some information on operations relating to MiG 29 which both countries possess.

While there is nothing special in the sharing of such information, it is surprising that this is only the third meeting of the Defence Committee which was set up way back in 1992.

After the initial meeting of the bilateral Defence Committee during the visit of the then Defence Minister, Mr. Sharad Pawar, to Kuala Lumpur in February 1993, the only other meeting of the panel took place in May 1997.

Since then there has been no meeting, till the Defence Secretary and his team came to Kuala Lumpur last week.

That the decision to exchange information on operational details of MiG 29s is no big deal is evident from the fact that in 1994 India actually trained the Malaysian Air Force personnel.

Also, an MoU signed during Mr. Pawar's visit allows for a wide range of defence projects including joint ventures, development projects and research, besides procurement and logistical and maintenance support.

India's relations with Malaysia have been in limbo for some time - the Joint Commission between the two countries met after several years in 2000 - indicating that routine contacts have been suffering. While in the present interaction with defence officials it appears to be a case of better late than never, the delayed meetings are simply a reflection of a non-serious attitude adopted by officialdom in New Delhi.

Given the fact that the Prime Minister is to visit Malaysia, the Defence Committee has quickly met - to convey the impression that ``engagement'' with Malaysia is a continuing process.

The meeting itself may be welcome and, in a way, the Prime Ministerial visit has led to it being convened, but will Indian foreign policy remain hostage to VIP movement?

Having just completed visits to Vietnam and Indonesia, New Delhi would do well to remember that the long-term success of these visits lies in details and sustained cooperation.

For instance, it is well known that like India, Malaysia wants its defence strength to be independent and self- generated. In this, given India's experience, there is scope for considerable cooperation. While there have been some speculative reports in a section of the Indian press about the possibility of a ``regional consortium'' building the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), such an idea may not be that far-fetched.

There being a real possibility that the LCA may be cheaper than other aircraft, India can definitely look at the feasibility of involving some ASEAN nations in such a project.

Vajpayee to visit Japan

PTI reports from Tokyo:

Mr. Vajpayee will make a five-day official visit to Japan from February 10, to pursue with Tokyo a global and strategic relationship between the countries.

The Japanese Government today issued a statement giving details of Mr. Vajpayee's visit to the country during which he will have a meeting with his counterpart Mr. Yoshiro Mori, his second interaction in less than a year.

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Section  : International
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