India Ready to be Reliable ASEAN Partner, Says Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh urges ASEAN nations to collaborate on maritime security, cyber defence, and counter-drone systems at a New Delhi forum.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a powerful call for deepened defence collaboration between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Speaking at the ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum in New Delhi on Wednesday, the Minister emphasised that regional security challenges demand collective, practical, and unified action rather than mere dialogue.
Singh highlighted that India is prepared to engage with Southeast Asian nations as a reliable and equal partner, focusing on critical modern security threats that transcend national borders.
Moving from Dialogue to Action
Addressing the forum, which grew out of Singh's informal discussions with ASEAN defence ministers in Kuala Lumpur last year, the Minister expressed his hope that the gathering would yield more than just intellectual exchange. He urged the participants to identify tangible, actionable steps that governments and institutions can implement together.
"I hope this meeting will do more than just exchange views. I hope it will help us identify practical steps that our governments and institutions can take together," Singh remarked, stressing the need for functional cooperation.
Key Areas for Defence Collaboration
The Defence Minister identified several critical sectors where India and ASEAN must strengthen their ties to combat evolving threats. These include:
- Maritime Security: Enhancing maritime domain awareness and interoperability to protect vital trade and energy routes.
- Counter-Drone Systems: Developing technology to mitigate the risks posed by unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Cyber Defence: Collaborating to protect digital infrastructure against increasing cybercrime.
- Disaster Response: Building joint capabilities to manage climate-related disasters.
A Shared History and a Connected Sea
Rajnath Singh reminded the audience that the modern partnership between India and Southeast Asia is built upon a deep civilizational foundation. He noted that for centuries, maritime routes across the Bay of Bengal have facilitated the exchange of goods, art, and traditions.
"The seas do not separate us. They connect us," Singh said, referencing the historical influence of Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions seen in the monuments and languages of the region. He specifically cited the ancient links maintained by Indian kingdoms like the Cholas and Pallavas through maritime contact.
Addressing Borderless Threats and Strategic Competition
The Minister noted a shifting regional security environment characterized by growing strategic competition and uncertainty in maritime spaces. He warned that many contemporary challenges are inherently "borderless," meaning no single nation can tackle them in isolation.
He listed several pressing issues that require a unified regional response:
- Terrorism and piracy
- Cybercrime and illegal trafficking
- Illegal fishing and threats to supply chains
- Climate-related disasters
Singh advocated for a regional order where countries can cooperate without being pressured to "choose sides." He stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty, following international law, and maintaining open channels of dialogue to resolve differences peacefully before they escalate into disputes.
Alignment with Indo-Pacific Visions
The Minister reiterated that ASEAN is central to India's Indo-Pacific vision. He noted that India's Act East Policy, along with the SAGAR and MAHASAGAR frameworks, aligns closely with ASEAN-led mechanisms. By promoting an open, multipolar, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, India seeks to complement ASEAN's outlook rather than create competition between regional forums.