Rajnath Singh shares counter-terror expertise with ASEAN partners

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, declaring that New Delhi is fully prepared to share practical counter-terrorism experience accrued from decades of tackling cross-border threats. Representing the Indian delegation at the forum running from October 28 to 29, 2026, Singh emphasized that the nation’s expertise is not theoretical classroom knowledge but an experience hard-earned on the ground.

Operation Sindoor Demonstrates India's Proactive Counter-Terrorism Doctrine

Detailing India’s military posture, Singh pointed directly to Operation Sindoor—conducted inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack—as a decisive demonstration of a proactive, battle-tested doctrine. Counter-terrorism remains a core priority under the ADMM-Plus framework, where India and Malaysia currently co-chair the Experts’ Working Group for the 2024–2027 cycle.

Singh Proposes India-ASEAN Youth Bridge and Meets South Korea

Beyond security protocols, the article noted that Singh proposed a robust India-ASEAN Youth Bridge during the summit. Designed to foster people-to-people links, digital innovation, and capacity building, the initiative aligns with the themes of youth, peace, and security. Alongside multilateral discussions, the article reported that Singh held productive bilateral talks with South Korean National Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul on October 28, 2026. The two leaders reviewed expanding defense cooperation, focusing on co-developing military technologies and enhancing joint industry collaborations. The article added that Singh also met with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to review prior security priorities in the Indo-Pacific.

Maritime Security and Freedom of Navigation in the Indo-Pacific

Maritime security featured prominently on the agenda as India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in the Philippines. According to the article, Singh stated that India will remain a trusted net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region and wider Indo-Pacific. Highlighting international maritime law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Singh noted that India’s advocacy for freedom of navigation and overflight is not directed against any country, but safeguards collective regional interests. He emphasized the Indian Navy's continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden since 2008, where frontline warships have escorted thousands of merchant vessels and thwarted numerous high-seas hijackings regardless of flag or nationality.

Additional Statements at the Summit

Opening his address, Singh offered condolences regarding an October 23 crash resulting in the deaths of four Philippine Air Force pilots, stating, In this hour of sorrow, India stands in complete solidarity with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the bereaved families. He further noted that the theme for the year’s ADMM-Plus is Navigating Our Future Together.