EXERCISE
UDARA SHAKTI 2024 - SECURITY
News: Exercise
Udara Shakti 2024 is a significant bilateral air force exercise between
the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
- Held from August 5-9, 2024, at the
RMAF base in Kuantan, Malaysia, the exercise aimed to enhance military
cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership between India and
Malaysia.
What’s
in the news?
Key
Features of Exercise Udara Shakti 2024
- The first bilateral Air Force
exercise that staged frontline Sukhoi-30 combat aircraft was conducted in
2018.
- Participants and Aircraft:
Both air forces deployed their Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets for the exercise.
The IAF participated with its Su-30MKI aircraft, while the RMAF fielded
its Su-30MKM aircraft.
- Main Activities:
- Air Combat Exercises:
The exercise involved joint aerial maneuvers to test and improve combat
readiness and coordination.
- Subject Matter Expert Exchange
(SMEE): This aspect of the exercise
focused on sharing technical knowledge and best practices related to the
maintenance and operation of the Su-30 aircraft.
- HOP Exercise:
A unique feature of the exercise, the HOP (Hands-On Program) allowed
pilots to exchange roles, with Indian pilots flying Malaysian Su-30MKM
jets and vice versa.
India-Malaysia
Relations
Historical
and Strategic Context
- Early Interactions:
Historical ties trace back to ancient trade routes and shared cultural
exchanges.
- Colonial Era:
Both countries were part of the British Empire, which influenced their
administrative and legal systems.
Post-Independence:
Diplomatic
relations were established soon after India's independence in 1947 and
Malaysia's in 1957.
Political
and Diplomatic Relations
- Strategic Partnership:
Elevated in 2010, focusing on defense, trade, and cultural exchange.
- High-Level Visits:
Regular interactions, with key visits by Indian and Malaysian leaders.
- Act East Policy:
India’s rebranded policy in 2014 emphasized Malaysia's role as a key ASEAN
partner.
Economic
and Trade Relations
- Trade Volume:
As of 2023, bilateral trade between India and Malaysia stands at
approximately USD 19.4 billion.
- Key Exports and Imports:
- India to Malaysia:
Agricultural products, chemicals, machinery.
- Malaysia to India:
Palm oil, electronics, petroleum products.
- Investment:
- Malaysian Investments in India:
Focus on infrastructure, telecommunication, and energy sectors.
- Indian Investments in Malaysia:
IT, manufacturing, and services.
- CECA:
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement signed in 2011 to boost trade
and investment.
Defense
and Security Cooperation
- Military Exercises:
Joint exercises like 'Harimau Shakti' enhance interoperability between
armed forces.
- Counter-Terrorism:
Cooperation on intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism initiatives.
- Defense Agreements:
Various MoUs to promote defense cooperation, including technology transfer
and joint training.
Cultural
and Educational Ties
- Cultural Exchanges:
Numerous programs under the Cultural Exchange Agreement, including arts,
literature, and heritage preservation.
- Diaspora:
The Indian community in Malaysia, primarily of Tamil origin, plays a significant
role in cultural diplomacy.
- Educational Collaboration:
Student exchange programs, scholarships, and academic partnerships between
universities.
Challenges
and Opportunities
- Diplomatic Challenges:
Occasional strains due to political differences, such as issues related to
Zakir Naik and the Kashmir conflict.
- Economic Imbalance:
Trade remains imbalanced in favor of Malaysia, necessitating efforts to
diversify trade.
- Future Prospects:
- Enhanced Trade:
Potential for increased trade in new sectors like renewable energy and
digital economy.
- Strategic Alignment:
Strengthening defense ties and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific
region.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2044075