EXERCISE UDARA SHAKTI 2024

Source: PIB

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Context

• 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.

Details

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​.

About Malaysia

Category	Details
Official Name	Malaysia
Capital	Kuala Lumpur
Administrative Center	Putrajaya
Area	330,803 sq. km
Official Language	Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)
Currency	Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Government Type	Federal Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
Major Industries	Electronics, Petroleum, Chemicals, Medical Devices, Rubber, Palm Oil, Automotive, Tourism
Main Exports	Electrical & electronic products, Palm oil, Liquefied natural gas, Petroleum, Chemicals
Main Imports	Electrical & electronic products, Machinery, Chemicals, Refined petroleum, Plastics
Major Trading Partners	China, Singapore, United States, Japan, Thailand, India
Education	Literacy Rate: 95%
Healthcare	Mixed public-private system; high quality and widely accessible
Human Development Index (HDI)	0.810 (2022) – Very High Human Development
Religion	Islam (Official Religion, ~61.3%), Buddhism (~19.8%), Christianity (~9.2%), Hinduism (~6.3%)
Ethnic Composition	Malay (~69.6%), Chinese (~22.6%), Indian (~6.9%), Indigenous and others (~1%)
Climate	Tropical; hot and humid throughout the year
Tourism Highlights	Petronas Towers, Langkawi, Batu Caves, Mount Kinabalu, Penang, Cameron Highlands, Malacca
Cultural Heritage	Diverse cultural mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions
Key Historical Events	Independence from British rule on August 31, 1957; Formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963

Must read articles:

SU-30 MKI

Sources:

PIB 

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: Discuss the key areas of cooperation and challenges in the bilateral relations between India and Malaysia. How have recent developments in regional security and trade influenced their diplomatic ties? (250 words)