Rajnath Singh reaffirms Asean centrality, calls for stronger defence cooperation
Rajnath Singh addressing the ADMM-Plus meeting in Cebu, Philippines. (Image courtesy: X/@rajnathsingh)
New Delhi: The defence minister, Rajnath Singh, reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to Asean centrality at the 13th Asean Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, on Thursday. He called for stronger defence cooperation, greater mutual trust and collective efforts to address emerging regional security challenges.
“India reiterates its unwavering commitment to Asean centrality, which is a cornerstone of our Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision,” Singh said. “I look forward to constructive deliberations and concrete outcomes from this meeting,” he added.
Singh also thanked the Philippines for hosting the meeting and emphasized the forum’s role in maintaining a resilient, secure and prosperous region. He expressed hope that the discussions would help participating countries address emerging disruptions through greater cooperation and mutual trust.
The October 28–29 meeting brings together Asean’s 11 member states and eight dialogue partners: India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
Asean centrality seeks to ensure that Southeast Asian nations retain a leading role in regional security discussions rather than allowing major powers to dominate decision-making.
As RNA Media reported during the 2025 ADMM-Plus meeting, Singh had described the forum as integral to India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, emphasising an inclusive, rules-based regional order.
India’s commitment extends to practical military cooperation. In September, India and Asean conducted their second joint maritime exercise in the Philippines, involving INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish in maritime security, emergency response and operational coordination.
India and Singapore also concluded Simbex – 2026 on October 26, undertaking anti-submarine, anti-surface and air defence drills in the Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, Indian and Indonesian special forces began Exercise Garuda Shakti on Tuesday focusing on jungle warfare, air assault training and operational interoperability.
On the sidelines of ADMM-Plus, Singh met Singapore defence minister, Chan Chun Sing to discuss expanding joint exercises and defence technology cooperation.
He also reviewed India’s 10-year defence framework with US secretary of war, Pete Hegseth, and held separate talks with Japanese defence minister, Shinjiro Koizumi.
The meeting comes amid continuing South China Sea disputes and growing competition among major powers. Philippine defence secretary, Gilberto Teodoro Jr, called for adherence to international law and stronger cooperation to address disruptions affecting food and energy security.
Asean defence ministers adopted two key documents at the 20th ADMM on Wednesday: a joint statement commemorating the 50th anniversary of the treaty of amity and cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Manila joint declaration marking the forum’s 20th anniversary. Philippine defence secretary, Gilberto Teodoro Jr, said the declarations reaffirmed Asean unity, centrality and shared commitments to regional peace and security.
India also co-chairs the ADMM-Plus experts’ working group on counterterrorism with Malaysia for 2024–2027.
Singh’s remarks reinforce India’s continued support for Asean-led security dialogue while pursuing stronger military partnerships, maritime cooperation and regional stability.
