ASEAN-India Ties to Remain a Pillar of Regional Stability, Says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN as a central partner, describing the relationship as a “strong pillar of stability” for the Indo-Pacific region. His remarks came during a high-level regional security dialogue in Vientiane, Laos.

Addressing the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), Singh highlighted India’s long-standing engagement with ASEAN, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, respect for international law, and multilateral cooperation in ensuring peace and stability across the region.

“India views ASEAN unity and centrality as essential for lasting peace and growth in the Indo-Pacific,” he stated.

Singh underlined India’s support for freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded maritime commerce, stressing the strategic role of sea lanes in sustaining regional prosperity. He also pointed to India’s Act East policy as a cornerstone of its engagement, aimed at strengthening economic, cultural, and security ties with Southeast Asian nations.

The Defence Minister outlined several areas where India intends to deepen cooperation with ASEAN countries:

Maritime security: Expanding joint exercises and intelligence sharing between navies and coast guards.

Defence research and capacity building: Strengthening institutional linkages and innovation collaborations.

Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR): Coordinated response to regional crises.

Observers note that Singh’s address comes amid growing strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including maritime disputes and shifting security dynamics. By emphasizing ASEAN-India collaboration, India aims to reinforce a rules-based, cooperative, and stable regional order.

Singh’s remarks underscore that the India-ASEAN partnership is not only an economic and cultural alliance but also a strategic anchor for regional security and long-term stability in the 21st century.