Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Highlights India’s Role at 12th ADMM-Plus

On 1 November 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India sees its defence cooperation with ASEAN and Plus countries as a contribution to regional peace, stability, and capacity-building.

• He was speaking at the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Mr. Singh emphasised that ADMM-Plus forms an integral part of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and broader Indo-Pacific vision.

Commitment to Dialogue and Practical Cooperation

• As ADMM-Plus enters its 16th year, India is ready to:
  • Enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest
  • Promote dialogue among member nations
  • Ensure peace and stability through robust regional mechanisms
• India is committed to contributing under the spirit of “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions (MAHASAGAR)” via dialogue, partnerships, and practical cooperation.

About ADMM-Plus

• Serves as a key platform for dialogue and collaboration among:
  • ASEAN’s 11 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam
  • 8 Dialogue Partners: India, US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand
• India-ASEAN relations:
  • India became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1992
  • First ADMM-Plus held in Hanoi, Vietnam, 2010
  • Annual meetings since 2017 to promote defence and security cooperation

Key Initiatives and Future Plans

• India and Malaysia are co-chairing the Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (2024–2027).
• The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise is planned for 2026, aimed at:
  • Enhancing coordination in maritime security
  • Improving disaster response readiness

Source: DD