Is India Prepared to Enhance Regional Cooperation for Peace at ADMM-Plus Meeting?
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Synopsis
In a powerful address at the ADMM-Plus meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to deepen cooperation and ensure regional stability, emphasizing the significance of the Indo-Pacific vision and the role of ASEAN in fostering a collaborative security framework.
Key Takeaways
- India is committed to enhancing cooperation in various sectors through ADMM-Plus.
- India's role is rooted in the 'Act East Policy' and the Indo-Pacific vision.
- Cooperation in defence is vital for regional peace and stability.
- India emphasizes the importance of a rules-based Indo-Pacific to safeguard shared interests.
- ADMM-Plus serves as a bridge between strategic dialogue and practical outcomes.
Kuala Lumpur, Nov 1 (NationPress) Highlighting New Delhi's commitment to enhancing collaboration across various sectors of mutual interest, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh remarked that the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) is a crucial component of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and its broader vision for the Indo-Pacific.
During his address at the ADMM-Plus meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Singh stated, “As ADMM-Plus enters its 16th year, India is prepared to strengthen cooperation in all areas of shared interests, foster dialogue, and guarantee peace and stability through effective regional mechanisms.”
The Defence Minister emphasized that India has been a proactive and constructive member of ADMM-Plus since its inception, having co-chaired three Expert Working Groups: Humanitarian Mine Action with Vietnam from 2014 to 2017, Military Medicine with Myanmar from 2017 to 2020, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief with Indonesia from 2020 to 2024, currently co-chairing Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia from 2024 to 2027.
“Through these roles, India has facilitated capacity-building, joint training, and knowledge-sharing. This demonstrates our belief that security cooperation must be comprehensive and centered around people,” he elaborated.
Singh asserted that India perceives its defence collaboration with ASEAN and Plus nations as a contribution to regional peace, stability, and capacity enhancement.
“India's stance has always been transparent — an open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Our focus on the rule of law, especially concerning the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and our advocacy for freedom of navigation and overflight, is not aimed at any particular country but is meant to safeguard the interests of all regional stakeholders,” he explained.
The Defence Minister underscored that India is ready to continue making positive contributions to this effort in line with the spirit of “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions (MAHASAGAR)” through dialogue, partnerships, and practical cooperation.
“The future of security will not rely solely on military capabilities but on effectively managing shared resources, securing both digital and physical infrastructures, and collectively responding to humanitarian crises. ADMM-Plus can serve as the bridge connecting strategic dialogue to actionable outcomes, propelling the region toward peace and shared prosperity,” Singh emphasized.
“India views its role in this context through a lens of partnership and collaboration. Our approach is not transactional but rather long-term and rooted in principles. We believe that the Indo-Pacific should remain open, inclusive, and free from any form of coercion,” he concluded.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize that India’s proactive stance in the ADMM-Plus meeting underscores its commitment to fostering regional stability and cooperation. This approach not only strengthens India's position in the Indo-Pacific but also promotes a collaborative framework essential for addressing shared security challenges.
NationPress
06/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ADMM-Plus?
The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) is a platform for the defence ministers of ASEAN and their partner countries to discuss regional security issues and foster cooperation.
What is India's role in ADMM-Plus?
India has been an active participant in ADMM-Plus, co-chairing several working groups and promoting collaborative initiatives in areas like humanitarian assistance and counter-terrorism.
What is the 'Act East Policy'?
India's 'Act East Policy' aims to strengthen its ties with Southeast Asia and the broader Indo-Pacific region, focusing on economic, strategic, and cultural relations.
How does India view its defence cooperation?
India sees its defence cooperation with ASEAN nations as a contribution to regional peace, stability, and capacity-building.
What does UNCLOS stand for?
UNCLOS stands for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which establishes guidelines for the use of the world's seas and oceans.
