Rajnath Singh at ASEAN Defence Summit: India Reaffirms Commitment to Indo-Pacific Security and Regional Cooperation
CEBU, PHILIPPINES, October 29, 2026: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality, regional security and stronger defence cooperation while addressing the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines.
Speaking at the high-level regional defence forum, Singh linked India’s foreign and defence policy priorities to this year’s theme, “Navigating Our Future Together,” stressing the importance of collective action, mutual trust and cooperation in an increasingly complex security environment.
Singh thanked the Philippines for hosting the meeting and praised its hospitality and arrangements. He said the theme resonated with India’s civilizational ethos of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah”, meaning “May all be happy”, reflecting a vision of shared prosperity, peace and human welfare.
ASEAN centrality remains at the heart of India’s Indo-Pacific vision
Reiterating India’s unwavering commitment to ASEAN centrality, Singh described the regional grouping’s central role as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific.
His remarks underscored New Delhi’s position that a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific depends on sustained dialogue, respect for regional institutions and practical cooperation among countries.
The ADMM-Plus brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners to discuss defence and security challenges and strengthen cooperation. The forum provides an important platform for regional powers to exchange perspectives on evolving threats, build confidence and explore common approaches to maintaining peace and stability.
Focus on trust, emerging challenges and concrete outcomes
Singh expressed hope that the deliberations would deepen mutual trust, address emerging disruptions and advance practical defence cooperation. He also called for constructive discussions capable of producing meaningful outcomes for the region.
The meeting comes amid a rapidly evolving regional and international security environment, in which maritime security, strategic competition, emerging technologies and other cross-border challenges demand closer coordination.
India’s engagement with ASEAN reflects its broader effort to strengthen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific while supporting an inclusive, rules-based regional order.
The larger message from Cebu is clear: India wants ASEAN-led cooperation to remain central to regional security, with dialogue, mutual confidence and collective responsibility serving as the foundations for a more stable Indo-Pacific.
JANPATH NEWS NETWORK (JNN)
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