Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has emphasized that India and ASEAN share a clear interest in a peaceful, stable, and open Indo-Pacific region. Addressing the ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum in New Delhi this morning, Mr Singh said that ASEAN is central to India’s Indo-Pacific vision and that India’s Act East Policy is a long-term commitment to working with Southeast Asia as an equal partner.  

 

Mr. Singh highlighted that the Indian Ocean and the waters of Southeast Asia constitute a single connected maritime space, making its safety a shared responsibility. Pointing to the designation of 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, he called for strengthening maritime domain awareness, improving information sharing, and building collective capabilities to respond to emergencies, piracy, and illegal fishing.  

 

Outlining practical steps for the forum, Mr Singh proposed developing a joint India-ASEAN research agenda focused on maritime security, disaster response, cyber threats, and emerging technologies. He also suggested initiating pilot projects, such as tabletop exercises on maritime disaster response and joint studies on counter-drone solutions, alongside promoting Track 1.5 and Track 2 dialogues to sustain discussions.  

 

On the front of defence cooperation, Mr. Singh invited ASEAN nations to collaborate on technologies like artificial intelligence, drones, and space-based systems. He noted that India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative presents opportunities for trusted partners in the co-development, co-production, and maintenance of defence equipment, including patrol vessels, radars, and air defence systems.  

 

Highlighting the historical context, the Minister noted that ancient Indian kingdoms, including the Cholas and Pallavas, maintained trade and maritime links with Southeast Asia, providing a strong foundation for today’s modern partnership. He observed that think tanks play a vital role in this process by helping governments understand mutual concerns and offering actionable options before challenges escalate into crises.