Major Arguments of the Paper: The core argument of this paper is that a paradigm shift
is necessary in order to take the defence relationship between Malaysia and
India to a higher plane. The author has approached the subject from the
Malaysian perspective, and her prescription about paradigm shift relates to the
Malaysian state
. By paradigm shift she means a change in the mindset of
Malaysians in general and the government in particular. The change of mindset
here implies that Malaysia should stop viewing India from the old prism of a
developing or backward nation.
The author has traced the genesis of
the defence relationship between the two countries to the pre-independence
days, when the British Indian forces made important contributions in Malaya.
However, Cold-War saw a drift in the relationship. End of the Cold War again
brought important changes in the way Malaysia saw defence cooperation with
India. Changed geopolitical realities made Malaysia cooperate with India.
Malaysia regards its defense and security cooperation with India as vital and
highest form of cooperation. The MoU on Defense Cooperation signed in 1993 is
the most important mechanism to boost the bilateral cooperation in defence
sector between the two countries.
The author then goes on to explain
the depth of the military cooperation by giving details of the
cooperation-service wise. The level of interaction is deepest between the
navies of the two countries largely because cooperation in Andaman and Malacca
Straits maritime area holds vital strategic importance for both Malaysia and
India. However, the author has also attached importance to the contribution of the
Indian Air Force in maintenance and tactical training of the RMAF. Moreover,
Malaysia sees India as a stabilizer in the region.
The author analysed the discourse on
defence cooperation between the two countries under two broad themes:
i Malaysia-India Defense cooperation is on the right track.
ii The relationships lacks substance and volume.
i Malaysia-India Defense cooperation is on the right track.
ii The relationships lacks substance and volume.
The author subscribes to the latter
viewpoint and holds the Malaysian mindset primarily responsible for such a
state of affairs. In conclusion she said that Defense MoU signed between the
two countries was a major milestone as India was the first country outside the
region with which Malaysia signed such an agreement. However, since then
progress has been limited. Many items listed in the MoU have not been
implemented. The volume of defence cooperation needs to be increased. Malaysia
cannot ignore India’s rise and must utilize its capabilities. And for this, the
author said, Malaysian perception about India must change.
Major Points of Discussion and
Suggestions to the Author:
- It will be useful for the author to discuss the
military doctrines of both India and Malaysia upfront to set the context
for the study. It will also bring out clearly the points of convergence
and divergence between the two, which will help in policy prescription.
- The Andaman Sea touches Thailand, Malaysia, and
Singapore. So, it is one of the potential areas of deeper cooperation
between the navies of these countries and Indian Navy.
- One of the main irritants for India in the relationship
is Malaysia’s policy of equating Pakistan with India. Equating India with
China is admissible, but not Pakistan.
- The paper would be enriched if its takes into account
the US rebalancing in Asia-Pacific. Since the rebalancing envisages major
role for India, it will be worthwhile to dwell upon Malaysia’s stand on it
and explore meeting grounds to further the defence cooperation.
- India’s Look East Policy and interaction with ASEAN led
to better appreciation of each other’s position on security issues. For
this reason, the Look East Policy merits some attention in the paper.
- Significantly, it was pointed out that cooperation
between the two countries in the Andaman Sea and the Straits of Malacca
should not become hostage to the apprehension or fear of the Malaysian authorities,
as the need for cooperation on this issue is greater than any
apprehension.
- Author should analyze the reasons for
non-implementation of many of the items in the MoU.
- China is an unreliable partner of ASEAN. It first signs
a code of conduct and then violates it. Its aggressive postures vis-à-vis
Vietnam bears testimony to this fact.
- The defence cooperation between India and Malaysia is
mainly in the maritime arena. However, it is a fact that the land forces
dominate the Malaysian military. It is important therefore, that the
cooperation between the two armies intensify.
- Malaysia’s apprehensions of India arise not because of
either the Maldives Ops or the IPKF Ops, but because of the 1998 nuclear
tests and the Theatre Command in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The China factor should be devoted sufficient
attention. The asymmetry that exists between the two countries limits
Malaysia’s options vis-à-vis China. It has therefore, adopted the policy of
constructive engagement with China, notwithstanding the fact that China is not
a natural choice for them. Malaysia’s engagement is mostly economic. However,
the China factor also inhibits Malaysia in making faster moves in defence
cooperation with India.
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