Wednesday, June 7 2006 16:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Days after India offered to assist in 'compulsory pilotage' of the Strategic Malacca Straits, the issue figured prominently in talks between the visiting Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee here today (June7, 2006).

On a week-long visit here, Razak held a one to one meeting with Mukherjee which was followed by delegation level talks between the two countries.

India has backed the major East-Asian security initiative to enforce 'compulsory pilotage' of the straits mooted jointly by Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia as a means to safeguard shipping through the channel against sea piracy and fears of threats of maritime terrorism.

Mukherjee outlined New Delhi's support to the initiative at the just concluded Shangri LA security dialogue held over the weekend in Singapore.

Though Defence Ministry officials were tighlipped,sources said Mukherjee reiterated India' willingess to assist in the project and share its expertise in maritime security with nations of the region in his talks with Malyasian Deputy Prime Minister.

Razak and the high level Malaysian delegation are being taken round prestigious Indian Defence Production units where New Delhi will showcase the country's technology leap in weapons systems.