Rajnath Singh to strengthen India-ASEAN defence partnerships at Manila meet

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to participate in a strategic defence ministers' meeting in the Philippines, where he will pursue deeper defence cooperation with ASEAN member states. The visit underscores India's growing focus on strengthening bilateral and multilateral military ties across Southeast Asia amid evolving regional security dynamics.

Official sources indicated that Singh's participation will emphasise India's commitment to advancing a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific order. This messaging aligns with India's broader foreign policy objectives in the region, which seek to ensure unimpeded freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The defence ministers' conclave provides a platform for India to engage directly with counterparts from ASEAN nations on matters of mutual strategic interest. Such high-level interactions are expected to facilitate discussions on defence capabilities, military cooperation frameworks, and regional security challenges.

India has consistently prioritised deepening strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region, viewing ASEAN as a crucial anchor in its outreach to Southeast Asia. The Philippines meeting represents another step in this sustained engagement to build stronger defence relationships and coordinate approaches to regional stability.