Rajnath Singh Proposes India ASEAN Defence Think Tank Forum

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has proposed establishing an India–ASEAN Defence Think Tank Forum to strengthen strategic cooperation and address emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific. The proposal was made during the ASEAN–India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

Enhancing Defence Dialogue

• Singh called for an institutionalised platform linking defence experts, academics, and policy researchers from India and ASEAN nations. The forum aims to boost policy exchange, capacity-building, and collaboration on regional security. ASEAN members were invited to nominate their leading defence institutions for participation.

Focus on Indo-Pacific Stability

• Reaffirming India’s support for ASEAN’s central role, Singh described the partnership as a key pillar of regional stability. He urged the swift conclusion of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement review to further deepen economic cooperation.

Maritime Security and Rule of Law

• Highlighting that over half of India’s trade passes through the South China Sea and Malacca Strait, Singh stressed the need to safeguard critical sea lanes. He reiterated India’s support for a rules-based maritime order grounded in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and praised ASEAN’s backing for the second ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise scheduled for 2026.

Women in Peacekeeping and Naval Cooperation

• Singh announced the second edition of the ASEAN–India Initiative for Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations, featuring specialised training and a table-top exercise on civilian protection. He also invited ASEAN nations to participate in the International Fleet Review 2026 in India.
• On the sidelines, Singh signed a 10-year Framework for the U.S.–India Major Defence Partnership with U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, marking a milestone in bilateral military cooperation.

Key Facts for Exams:

• Proposed India–ASEAN Defence Think Tank Forum in Kuala Lumpur (October 2025).

• Over 50% of India’s trade moves through the South China Sea and Malacca Strait.

• ASEAN–India Maritime Exercise (AIME) – second edition in 2026.

• India supports UNCLOS for a rules-based maritime order.

• 10-year Framework for U.S.–India Major Defence Partnership signed.