India pushes for Indo-Pacific where nations retain strategic autonomy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has outlined India's vision for the Indo-Pacific region, stressing the need for an environment where nations can exercise strategic autonomy and make decisions based on their own interests without external coercion.

Addressing the importance of India-Asean relations, Singh underscored the need for deeper cooperation between New Delhi and Southeast Asian nations to maintain regional stability and prosperity. He highlighted that peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for international law should remain the cornerstone of regional engagement.

Singh emphasized that regional forums, including those involving India and Asean members, must work in concert to address common challenges ranging from maritime security to economic cooperation. He stressed that such collaboration should be built on mutual respect for sovereignty and shared commitment to maintaining a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

The Defence Minister's remarks reflect India's broader strategic approach to the region, which seeks to strengthen partnerships with Southeast Asian nations while maintaining its independent foreign policy stance. India views Asean as a crucial pillar in its Indo-Pacific strategy and has been expanding defense and security cooperation with member states.