Cebu: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said India had learned to tackle terrorism through decades of dealing with cross-border threats and was ready to share that experience with other countries.
Speaking at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu on Thursday, Singh said India’s counter-terrorism strategies had been tested on the ground.
India and Malaysia are jointly leading the forum’s working group on counter-terrorism for 2024–2027. Singh said the two countries would continue working with other partners to improve security cooperation.
Singh Mentions Operation Sindoor
Referring to Operation Sindoor, Singh said Indian forces had destroyed significant terrorist infrastructure during the operation last year. He said the action also sent a message against state-sponsored terrorism.
Singh called for greater intelligence sharing, joint military exercises and training to help countries respond to terrorist threats.
He also spoke about India’s relationship with ASEAN, saying both sides shared common interests and respected each other’s priorities. The theme of this year’s meeting was Navigating Our Future Together.
Singh recalled a meeting of ASEAN and Indian defence ministers in Kuala Lumpur last October, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to defence cooperation for 2026–2030.
India Focuses on Maritime Security
The minister also highlighted the need to protect international shipping routes. He said India had made maritime cooperation with ASEAN a priority in 2026, which has been designated the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation. The two sides also held their second maritime exercise.
Singh said the Indian Navy had maintained a presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008 and had helped protect thousands of merchant vessels from maritime threats.
“Merely issuing statements regarding maritime security is not enough,” he said, calling for practical action to protect sea routes.
He added that India would continue working for security in the Indian Ocean Region and the wider Indo-Pacific, while supporting freedom of navigation and international maritime law.
Defence Initiative for Young People
Singh proposed a defence “Youth Bridge” to strengthen ties between young people in India and ASEAN countries. The initiative would focus on exchanges, digital innovation and capacity building.
He said the two sides could build on their young populations to strengthen their partnership. The proposal also connects with the meeting’s focus on Youth, Peace and Security.
Singh said India wanted to work with ASEAN on maritime safety, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and training, with the aim of maintaining peace and stability in the region.