VIENTIANE: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in Vientiane, Laos, from November 20-22, 2024. The meeting, which serves as a platform for strengthening defence and security cooperation among ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners, gathered representatives from countries such as India, China, Japan, and the USA. The primary focus was on addressing pressing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including terrorism and territorial disputes.
On the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus event, Singh engaged in several key bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Japan and the Philippines. These discussions were aimed at enhancing India’s defence relations with these nations and fostering greater regional security cooperation. Singh’s interactions were seen as part of India’s ongoing efforts to build stronger ties within the Indo-Pacific framework, particularly in light of rising security concerns in the region.
The ADMM-Plus, which includes ASEAN members and eight dialogue partners, is an important mechanism for promoting regional security and stability. This year, Laos, holding the chairmanship of the forum, focused on deepening collaboration among the participants to address common security issues. The meetings explored strategic approaches to regional peace and examined responses to evolving security dynamics, such as maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Overall, the ADMM-Plus meetings reflect India’s proactive engagement in regional security affairs. With defense ties with Japan and the Philippines strengthening, India continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific, working alongside its partners to mitigate regional threats and ensure long-term stability.
