ASEAN hails India’s role as responsible superpower in Indo-Pacific

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with the Defence Ministers of ASEAN nations during the second India-ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on October 31, where the Southeast Asian bloc lauded India’s growing stature as a “responsible superpower” in the Indo-Pacific region.

The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Malaysia, underscored the deepening strategic partnership between India and ASEAN in areas of defence cooperation, maritime security, and technological innovation.

In his address, Rajnath Singh said the informal meeting presented a vital opportunity to advance the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly the defence and security aspects of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action 2026–2030. He also announced two new initiatives — the ASEAN-India Initiative on Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and the ASEAN-India Defence Think-Tank Interaction — aimed at enhancing collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The Malaysian Defence Minister, serving as chair of the ADMM, described India as a “superpower” and praised its success in building a self-reliant defence industry and innovation ecosystem. He noted that ASEAN countries could greatly benefit from India’s expertise in cyber and digital defence.

The Defence Ministers of the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore, and Thailand echoed similar sentiments, applauding India’s adherence to international law and its role as a first responder in the Indo-Pacific. The Philippines’ Defence Minister lauded India’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and expressed support for the upcoming India-ASEAN Maritime Exercise and cooperative activities in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Singapore’s Defence Minister highlighted ASEAN’s confidence in India’s capacity to ensure peace and stability in the region, proposing greater policy dialogues, joint exercises, and youth-level engagements to strengthen long-term cooperation.

Thailand’s Defence Minister emphasized the need for “regional self-reliance” in production and technology, acknowledging India’s pivotal role in fostering it.

The meeting concluded with ASEAN Defence Ministers welcoming India’s initiatives and reaffirming their commitment to deepening engagement under the evolving India-ASEAN Strategic Partnership.