The 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) was held in Langkawi, Malaysia. A dedicated Indian Pavilion was set up, showcasing India’s defence manufacturing strength and growing self-reliance in defence (Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence). India displayed key military assets like Dornier aircraft and an Indian Naval Ship, highlighting operational readiness and technological capabilities.
Indian Participation: Key Highlights
Public Sector Participants:
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
- Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
- BEML
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
- Gliders India Limited
Private Indian Defence Firms also participated. Exhibited:
- Indigenous maritime & aerospace technologies
- Innovations in naval systems, aircraft, defence logistics
About LIMA (Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition)
| Feature | Details |
| Established | 1991 |
| Frequency | Biennial (every two years) |
| Region Focus | Asia-Pacific |
| Specialty | Only global exhibition for both maritime and aerospace sectors |
| Sectors Covered | Defence, commercial aviation, marine tech, industrial defence applications |
India–Malaysia Relations: Strategic Overview
Diplomatic Ties:
- Diplomatic relations began in 1957 with Federation of Malaya
- Elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2024) during Malaysian PM’s visit to India
Economic Relations:
- Bilateral trade (FY 2023–24): $20.01 billion
- Malaysia is India’s 16th largest trading partner & 3rd in ASEAN
- Key areas of cooperation:
- MICECA (Malaysia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement)
- Local currency trade initiatives
- Central bank cooperation
Oil Palm Diplomacy:
- India imports 9.7 million tonnes of palm oil annually
- Malaysia supplies ~3 million tonnes
- Malaysia to support India’s National Mission on Edible Oils via:
- Seed supply
- R&D support
- Palm management expertise
Defence & Security Cooperation:
- Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meets annually
- Defence ties include:
- Joint development
- Training and procurement
- Maintenance support
- HAL opened its first regional office in Kuala Lumpur (2023)
People-to-People Connect:
- Indian diaspora in Malaysia: ~2 million+
- 3rd largest overseas Indian community (after USA & UAE)
Strategic Significance: India-Malaysia Defence Engagement
| Domain | Importance |
| Maritime Security | Collaboration vital for securing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) |
| Strait of Malacca | Crucial for India’s internal security and Indo-Pacific trade |
| Regional Influence | Malaysia supports India’s Act East Policy, IPOI, and ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) |
| Multilateral Platforms | Malaysia participated in all Voice of Global South Summits (VOGSS) |
| BRICS | India supported Malaysia’s inclusion as Partner Country (Jan 2025) |