India's Defense Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, discussed the country's experience in counter-terrorism, its commitment to collective regional security, and its focus on maritime cooperation with ASEAN partners during the 13th ADMM-Plus meeting.
On October 29, 2026, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the 13th ADMM-Plus meeting in Cebu, Philippines. In his speech, he reaffirmed India’s commitment to collective regional security and the eradication of terrorism in all its forms. He emphasized that India's expertise in counter-terrorism is not theoretical; it is an experience hard-earned on the ground through decades of confronting complex, cross-border security challenges.
Shri Rajnath Singh underlined that terrorism knows no borders and India stands ready to share its practical, battle-tested experience with ADMM-Plus partners. He stressed that counter-terrorism remains an important area of cooperation under the ADMM-Plus framework, and India & Malaysia are co-chairing the Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for the 2024 to 2027 cycle.
The Defense Minister also reiterated India's importance to ASEAN centrality and a secure, open, inclusive, resilient and rule-based Indo-Pacific. He stated that its strategic engagement with ASEAN is long-term and rooted in shared interests, mutual respect, and practical cooperation.
Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted maritime cooperation as crucial to India’s engagement with ASEAN during 2026, emphasizing New Delhi’s designation of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and the conduct of the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise.
He asserted that India does not merely preach the tenets of international maritime law; it is a steadfast practitioner of global laws concerning maritime security. India has successfully escorted thousands of merchant vessels and thwarted dozens of high-seas hijackings, extending protection to commercial shipping irrespective of flag or nationality. The security of commercial shipping is considered India’s responsibility.
Raksha Mantri underlined that maritime security is closely connected with the safety and prosperity of the wider region, highlighting India’s emphasis on the rule of law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and its advocacy for freedom of navigation and overflight. He stated that India gives due respect to maritime safety, search & rescue, humanitarian assistance, professional interaction, capacity building, and international law, and is ready to work with ASEAN partners in strengthening cooperation in these areas.
Shri Rajnath Singh also proposed the establishment of a dedicated defence ‘Youth Bridge’ to enhance institutional people-to-people connectivity, promote digital innovation, and facilitate capacity building in line with ADMM-Plus initiatives.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
