India Upholds Its Unwavering Stance on Terrorism: Defence Secretary
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Synopsis
Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh reaffirms India's commitment to its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi. He emphasizes the need for robust domestic mechanisms, intelligence-sharing, and regional cooperation to counter evolving terrorist threats.
Key Takeaways
- India's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism.
- Co-chairing the EWG on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia.
- Focus on regional cooperation and interoperability among Armed Forces.
- Addressing threats from emerging technologies.
- Call for a comprehensive response to counter radicalization.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated on Wednesday that India maintains a zero tolerance policy towards terrorism.
This assertion was made during a keynote address at the 14th meeting of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts Working Group (EWG) focused on Counter-Terrorism in New Delhi.
He emphasized, "India remains committed to its zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and advocates for a strategy that integrates robust domestic frameworks, improved intelligence-sharing, and strong regional collaboration."
Delegates from ten ASEAN nations—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand—along with eight dialogue partners (Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, The US, and Russia), as well as Timor Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat, were present at the meeting.
This marks the first time that India is co-chairing the EWG on Counter-Terrorism.
The Defence Secretary remarked, "Terrorism presents a fluid and evolving threat, with dangers increasingly crossing borders; the utilization of advanced technology, cyber tools, and unmanned systems by terrorist entities demands a cohesive, proactive, and action-oriented response. The Indo-Pacific region, due to its geopolitical and economic importance, is especially susceptible to transitional terrorism and violent extremism, which necessitates a comprehensive, adaptive, and deeply collaborative approach."
He highlighted that through the ADMM-Plus platform, India aims to create synergy among defence forces, security agencies, and policy frameworks to effectively address emerging threats.
"In a complex, hyper-connected, and fast-paced world, social and ecological systems are fragile. It is crucial to evaluate these risks to empower governments in prioritizing and making decisions. Terrorism has the potential to destabilize governments, undermine civil society, and threaten social and economic progress. We share a collective responsibility to guide decision-makers in understanding uncertainties and better evaluate impacts on decision-making," Singh added.
The ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter-Terrorism is co-chaired by India and Malaysia for a three-year tenure.
The Defence Secretary stated, "By leveraging our collective expertise, enhancing capacity-building, and fostering deeper trust and collaboration, we can greatly enhance regional security and counter-terrorism readiness."
According to Defence Secretary Singh, the EWG on Counter-Terrorism will emphasize strengthening regional cooperation and increasing interoperability among Armed Forces through structured joint initiatives.
He mentioned, "The objective will be to counter the misuse of emerging technologies and address threats posed by terrorists through AI-driven propaganda, encrypted communications, and drone technologies. Enhancing cyber resilience against online radicalization and recruitment initiatives will also be a key focus area."
He added that in 2027, India will host a field training exercise aimed at simulating real-world Counter-Terrorism scenarios, enhancing operational coordination, and testing rapid response mechanisms.
He advocated for a whole-of-government and society approach to counter radicalization and violent extremism while improving legal and financial frameworks to disrupt terror financing networks.
He congratulated Malaysia for assuming the chairmanship of ASEAN for 2025, extending India's full support.
He acknowledged Malaysia's efforts in effectively guiding ASEAN amid the current geopolitical landscape, under the theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
He expressed that India feels privileged to co-chair this vital initiative alongside Malaysia.
The Defence Secretary characterized India's relationship with ASEAN as a cornerstone of its foreign policy, central to the 'Act East Policy'.
He reiterated India's strong backing for a stable and unified ASEAN, which serves as a foundational institution in a crucial region.
