Politics · India Bureau
India pushes deeper defence ties with ASEAN, joint military tech development
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for strengthened India-ASEAN defence cooperation and collaborative development of military technologies. Singh emphasized mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and adherence to international law as foundations for addressing security challenges.
LSN India ·
India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has advocated for a comprehensive deepening of defence cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), proposing joint initiatives in military technology development to address regional security concerns.
Speaking on the matter, Singh underscored the importance of establishing a framework built on mutual trust and respect for national sovereignty. He highlighted the need for open channels of dialogue to effectively manage both conventional security threats and emerging challenges facing the region.
The Defence Minister stressed that adherence to international law and established protocols must underpin all defence cooperation initiatives between India and ASEAN member states. Such cooperation, he suggested, would strengthen regional stability and enable coordinated responses to transnational security issues.
Singh's call for joint military technology development signals India's intent to enhance technological interoperability with ASEAN defence forces while fostering indigenous capabilities within the region. The proposal aligns with India's broader strategic engagement with Southeast Asia, positioning defence cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral and multilateral ties.