News Brief
Rajnath Singh Calls For Joint Security Efforts To Keep Indo-Pacific Peaceful, Free From Coercion At ASEAN Defence Meet
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, China's Defense Minister Dong Jun at Asean Defence Ministers plus meeting in Malaysia
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday (1 November) reaffirmed India’s commitment to maintaining an open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, stressing that “collective security” is fundamental to the sovereignty and stability of all nations, The New Indian Express reported.
Speaking at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, Singh said India’s vision for the region is based on cooperation rather than confrontation.
“The security of the future will not depend solely on military capabilities but on the management of shared resources, the security of digital and physical infrastructure, and a collective response to humanitarian crises,” he said.
He reiterated that India supports adherence to international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and upholds freedom of navigation and overflight, principles crucial to maintaining peace and stability.
His remarks came as several ASEAN countries continue to push back against Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea.
Emphasising ASEAN’s central role in regional stability, Singh said, “Let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding and strengthening the ASEAN-led, inclusive regional security architecture, which has served our region so admirably.”
The Defence Minister underlined that India’s approach to the Indo-Pacific is “not transactional but long-term and principle-driven,” guided by the vision of MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth across Regions.
He added that India is ready to enhance cooperation in areas such as maritime security, cyber defence, and critical infrastructure protection, linking security with sustainability and development.
“The interlinkages of security, growth, and sustainability form the true spirit of the India-ASEAN partnership,” Singh said.
India became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1992, and the inaugural ADMM-Plus was held in 2010 in Hanoi.
