In his latest speech, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reiterated India’s stance on sharing the country’s experience of combating terrorism with the ASEAN countries and its dialogue partners.
Singh underlined decades of experience in facing security threats across borders during the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers‘ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu City, Philippines on October 29, 2026.
India ASEAN Counter Terrorism initiative can enhance military cooperation, intelligence and preparedness in the region against new emerging security challenges.
India ASEAN Counter Terrorism Cooperation at ADMM-Plus
Rajnath Singh suggested strengthening practical cooperation in the field of security through joint military exercises, exchange of intelligence and capacity-building initiatives. He pointed out that India has not developed its counter-terrorism experience in a classroom setting, but through actual operations and shared with its partners in the region.
Operation Sindoor Highlighted as Battle-Tested Experience
Singh pointed to Operation Sindoor (2025) as proof of India’s counter-terrorism efforts. The Indian government claimed that the strike had been aimed at destroying the infrastructure of the terrorist group and it had shown India’s stance on cross-border terrorism and state-sponsored threat.
India and Malaysia Strengthen ASEAN Security Partnership
India and Malaysia are the co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for 2024-27. The mutual cooperation in this format offers an institutional forum for sharing knowledge, building capacity and joint action on common security issues among the countries involved.
Indo-Pacific Maritime Security and Defence Cooperation
In addition to the issue of terrorism, Singh called for the freedom of navigation, international maritime law and greater regional cooperation. He also suggested a Defence Youth Bridge among institutions for promotion of institutional exchanges, digital innovation and capacity building with counterparts of the ASEAN.
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