Minister of State for Defence Attends the Inaugural India Global Forum

Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman is in New Delhi, India to attend the India Global Forum (IGF) on 9 and 10 November 2014. Organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies and themed "India 2014: New Opportunities for a New Government," the inaugural IGF focused on economic and security issues associated with India's rise as a regional power and the policy outlook of the new Indian government.

Dr Maliki spoke at the Simultaneous Special Session on the topic "Regional Security in the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific". He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing security challenges, especially in the maritime domain. He cited the upcoming ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus Counter-Terrorism/Maritime Security Exercise as an example of how militaries could strengthen practical cooperation to address common security challenges. Dr Maliki further stressed that "all states, including major powers like the United States, need to work together collectively and cooperatively" to safeguard the Gulf and Indo-Pacific's growth and prosperity. He also urged India to continue to play an active role in Asia and beyond.

The IGF was attended by the Indian political leadership and senior government officials, as well as business leaders and policymakers from the region and beyond. Over 20 countries were represented at the IGF.

As part of Dr Maliki's trip, he will also visit West Bengal to witness the Joint Military Training between the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Indian Air Force at Kalaikunda Air Force Station on 11 November 2014.

More Resources

Speech by Minister of State for Defence, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, at the Simultaneous Special Session 4 on "Regional Security in the Gulf and the Indo-Pacific", India Global Forum