Malaysia: On July 11, 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the Regional Office of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This move was made in recognition of how important defense exports are to the sustainable growth of India’s defense industry. The Regional Office will play a key role in facilitating close collaboration between Indian and Malaysian defense industries, as well as acting as a hub for HAL’s interactions with the wider South-East Asian region and as a window for other Indian Defense PSUs.
Tweeting about the partnership, the minister mentioned, ‘Our interactions point to a bright future ahead for India-Malaysia defence engagement as well as our Enhanced Strategic Partnership.
Delighted to attend the inauguration ceremony of the Regional Office of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at Kuala Lumpur. As the first overseas office of HAL, it symbolizes the potential for closer defence industrial collaboration between India and Malaysia and also, the Southeast Asian Region, he said.
The first community interaction included ministers and senior officials of the Government of Malaysia, as well as eminent personalities from the polity, culture, and industry. The reception was attended by Minister for Human Resources of Malaysia Mr. V Siva Kumar and Deputy Minister for Entrepreneurship and Cooperatives Development Ms. Saraswathy Kandasami.
Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the rich legacy of Indian classical art tradition in Malaysia as witnessed in the presentations of Odissi dance as well as the Carnatic and Hindustani music performances by renowned Malaysian artists.
Furthermore, he interacted with the members of the diverse and vibrant Indian community in Malaysia, including the leaders and members of various Indian community organizations in the country. He applauded their deep-rooted and close connections with India and encouraged them to work together honestly for the shared prosperity of India and Malaysia, underlining the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’.
