Rajnath Singh and South Korean Defence Minister Push for Military Tech Ties
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets South Korean counterpart Kang Shin-Chul in Cebu to discuss military tech and Indo-Pacific security.
In a significant move to bolster strategic ties, India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held high-level talks with his South Korean counterpart, Minister of National Defence Kang Shin-Chul. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in Cebu, Philippines, focusing on the future of bilateral defence cooperation.
Focus on Co-Development and Regional Security
The discussions centered on expanding the existing defence relationship between the two nations. A key highlight of the meeting was the exploration of opportunities to co-develop military technologies, signaling a shift toward deeper industrial and technological collaboration.
Beyond hardware and technology, both leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining and strengthening regional security within the Indo-Pacific region, a zone of critical strategic interest for both New Delhi and Seoul.
"Had a productive meeting with South Korean (ROK) Minister of National Defense Kang Shin-chul on the sidelines of the 13th #ADMMPlus in Cebu, Philippines. We reviewed our expanding bilateral defence cooperation and discussed ways to co-develop military technologies and strengthen regional security in the Indo-Pacific," Rajnath Singh shared in a post on X.
During the interaction, Singh also took a moment to reflect on his previous visit to South Korea, expressing his gratitude for the warmth and respect he received during his stay in the country.
A Busy Diplomatic Schedule in Cebu
The meeting with South Korea was part of a whirlwind diplomatic itinerary for the Indian Defence Minister. On Wednesday alone, Singh engaged in six bilateral meetings with defence counterparts from key global players, including:
- United States
- Japan
- Australia
- The Philippines
- South Korea
- Singapore
In his meeting with Singaporean Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, with a specific focus on regional security and defence cooperation.
"India is No Longer Weak": Singh's Message to the Diaspora
While in Cebu, Rajnath Singh also addressed members of the Indian community. In a powerful speech, he highlighted India's evolving global stature and its enhanced defence preparedness.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Defence Minister asserted that while India maintains a policy of non-provocation, it will not hesitate to respond firmly to threats. "India is no longer weak. We do not provoke anyone, but if someone provokes us, we do not spare them. This message is now loud and clear," Singh stated.
He further pointed toward India's economic growth and its successful defence exports, specifically mentioning the Philippines' acquisition of the BrahMos missile system as a testament to India's growing capabilities in the defence sector.
What's Next?
Following these bilateral engagements, Rajnath Singh is scheduled to represent India at the ADMM-Plus forum on Thursday, where he will address shared international and regional security concerns.