Defence Minister Rajnath Singh participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Laos, furthering India’s defense diplomacy and strengthening strategic ties with key global partners.
During his engagements, Singh met with his counterparts from South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, discussing a range of defense and security issues while exploring opportunities for increased cooperation and collaboration in defense manufacturing, military interoperability, and regional security.
In his meeting with South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun, Singh emphasized the significant growth potential of the defense manufacturing ecosystems in both countries. He invited South Korean companies to invest in India’s defense corridors, offering tremendous opportunities for co-production and co-development. The two ministers also discussed the strengthening of bilateral defense cooperation, acknowledging the common challenges and threats faced by both nations. Singh congratulated Kim on his appointment as Defence Minister of South Korea, and the two agreed to work closely on the ‘Roadmap for Defence Industry Cooperation’ signed in February 2020. The next round of the Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) is set for December 2024.
Singh also met the Australian Minister for Defence Industry & Capability Delivery Pat Conroy, reflecting on the strong foundation of the India-Australia defense partnership, especially in promoting stability and security in the Indian Ocean region. Both sides discussed the untapped potential for collaboration in niche defense sectors, with particular focus on air-to-air refueling, a significant development aimed at strengthening the interoperability between their respective Air Forces. Both ministers agreed to elevate their defense engagements through bilateral cooperation and regional initiatives.
In his meeting with New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins, Singh highlighted the deepening ties between the two nations, based on shared democratic values, institutions, and a common vision for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Singh called for the early finalization of a Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) to further solidify defense cooperation, which has already seen regular exchanges of senior defense officials and naval visits. Both parties agreed to enhance collaboration in shipbuilding, leveraging India’s robust capabilities in this sector.
Singh also held discussions with Malaysia’s Defence Minister Khaled Nordin and Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, General Chansamone Chanyalath. These talks focused on enhancing bilateral defense relations and exploring new areas of cooperation in defense and security matters.
In addition to his official meetings, Rajnath Singh participated in an Indian Community event where he highlighted the remarkable progress India has made in various fields, underscoring the country’s growing influence on the global stage.
The 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus serves as a platform for fostering security dialogue and collaboration among countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Through these strategic discussions, India continues to bolster its defense relationships, contributing to regional peace and stability.
(With inputs from ANI)