On October 14, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need to enhance defence and security cooperation between India and ASEAN nations. Emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to maintain regional stability, secure maritime routes, and address emerging security challenges.
Addressing the first ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum held at the New Delhi-based Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), Singh stated that respect for national sovereignty, adherence to international laws and the peaceful resolution of differences through dialogue are essential for regional cooperation.
Singh said India and ASEAN share common interests in maintaining a peaceful, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the importance of India’s Act East policy, SAGAR and MAHASAGAR visions in strengthening regional engagement.
Highlighting challenges such as terrorism, cybercrime, piracy, illegal fishing, and supply-chain disruptions, he emphasized the need for sharing maritime information and enhancing coordination between navies and coast guards. Following the designation of 2026 as the ‘ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation,’ he urged both sides to turn their shared priorities into concrete initiatives.
The Defence Minister also called for cooperation in the fields of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cyber defence, and maritime surveillance. Highlighting India’s ‘Innovations for Defence Excellence’ (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund (TDF), he advocated for joint research, defence innovation, and industrial partnerships, encompassing co-development, co-production, maintenance and training.
He also stressedthe need for better coordination in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and proposed a joint research agenda, mutual exchanges among researchers and pilot projects to advance practical cooperation.The inaugural forum brought together representatives from India and all 11 ASEAN member states to explore ways to strengthen defence and security ties.
(PIB)
