In the swirling mists of Hikayat Inderaputera, that beguiling 16th-century Malay epic of princes and djinns, the main character embarks on a perilous sea voyage, guided by a magical bird across realms where the boundaries between the mortal and the mystical blur. Inderaputera seeks something beyond treasure: the elixir of wisdom—a potion that binds disparate worlds in harmony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi might have nodded in recognition on this trip.

Like the Hikayat, PM Modi traversed the Indian Ocean’s azure expanse not for conquest, but for alliance: a modern odyssey to weave India’s rising star with Malaysia’s steadfast orbit.

Yet, as in the tale, the journey reveals both luminous prospects and lurking shadows. For two nations bound by ancient trade winds and colonial scars, this visit heralds a chapter of mutual ascent—if only they navigate the tempests wisely.

Defence cooperation loomed large over the summit’s paraphernalia. In a region where the South China Sea simmers like a cauldron of territorial djinns—China’s nine-dash line casting long shadows—the duo elevated military cooperation to the forefront of their “comprehensive strategic partnership".

India and Malaysia do little for now by way of defence cooperation apart from two important biannual exercises: the two armies conduct Harimau Shakti drills, while the two navies carry out Samudra Laksamana sea exercises. That will change—and........

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