Is Rajnath Singh Visiting Malaysia for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting?
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Synopsis
Rajnath Singh's upcoming visit to Malaysia for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus is expected to significantly enhance India’s defence ties with Southeast Asian nations. The discussions will focus on key strategic partnerships and cooperation in various sectors, promising a collaborative future.
Key Takeaways
- Rajnath Singh's visit is crucial for enhancing India-ASEAN defence ties.
- The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) will occur on November 1.
- Singh will focus on strategic partnerships and future collaborations.
- India’s role in the Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism highlights its commitment to regional security.
- The second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise is scheduled for 2026.
New Delhi, Oct 30 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to travel to Malaysia on Thursday to participate in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), which will take place on November 1.
Singh announced on X, stating, “Today, 30th October, I will depart from New Delhi for Kuala Lumpur. I will be addressing this year's ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting - Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Malaysia on 1st November, focusing on ‘Reflection on 15 years of ADMM-Plus and Charting the Way Forward’.”
He mentioned that alongside the ADMM-Plus, the second edition of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, chaired by Malaysia, is scheduled for Friday, with participation from Defence Ministers across all ASEAN member states.
“This meeting aims to enhance defence and security cooperation among ASEAN countries and India, supporting the ‘Act East Policy’. I eagerly anticipate discussions with ADMM-Plus nations regarding increased collaboration in various sectors, as well as with Malaysia's senior leadership,” Singh emphasized.
As per the Ministry of Defence, during this two-day visit, Singh is also anticipated to conduct bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the participating ADMM-Plus nations and senior leaders from Malaysia.
The ADMM serves as the premier defence consultative and cooperative mechanism within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The ADMM-Plus platform includes ASEAN member states such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam, along with its eight dialogue partners: India, the US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, aimed at strengthening security and defence cooperation.
India established partnership with ASEAN in 1992, and the inaugural ADMM-Plus convened in Hanoi, Vietnam, on October 12, 2010. Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus has been conducted annually to enhance defence collaboration among ASEAN and its partners.
In the ADMM-Plus framework, India co-chairs the Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism with Malaysia for the 2024-2027 cycle. Additionally, the second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise is set for 2026.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize India's proactive stance in enhancing its defence cooperation through international platforms like ADMM-Plus. This visit signals India's commitment to strengthening ties within Southeast Asia, ultimately fostering regional security and collaboration.
NationPress
19/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Rajnath Singh's visit to Malaysia?
The visit is aimed at attending the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus to strengthen defence cooperation among ASEAN countries and India.
When is the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus taking place?
The ADMM-Plus is scheduled for November 1.
What discussions will Rajnath Singh address at the meeting?
He will discuss reflections on 15 years of ADMM-Plus and chart the way forward for future cooperation.
How does India's participation benefit the ASEAN framework?
India's involvement enhances security cooperation and supports the 'Act East Policy' among ASEAN nations.
What is the significance of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting?
It aims to further solidify defence ties and collaborative efforts between ASEAN member countries and India.
