Rajnath Singh offers defence technology cooperation to ASEAN, pitches India as equal partner

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh calls for deeper India–ASEAN defence cooperation in maritime security, counter-drone technology, cybersecurity and disaster response on October 14, urging both sides to translate dialogue into practical joint initiatives. Addressing the inaugural ASEAN–India Defence Think Tank Forum in New Delhi, he says India stands ready to work with ASEAN as a reliable and equal partner.

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Rajnath Singh identifies maritime security as a central area for collaboration, noting that the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian waters form a connected maritime space vital to trade, energy and regional stability. He calls for stronger maritime information-sharing, improved coordination between navies and coast guards, greater underwater awareness and joint exercises covering search and rescue, disaster relief and protection of critical maritime infrastructure.

On defence technology, Singh proposes joint research and innovation involving Indian and ASEAN start-ups, universities and research institutions. Priority areas include artificial intelligence, counter-drone systems, cyber defence, maritime surveillance and space-based capabilities. He also highlights India's Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative and Technology Development Fund as potential channels for collaboration with innovators.

Singh also calls for expanding defence-industrial partnerships beyond equipment purchases towards co-development, co-production, maintenance, repair, training and long-term technical support. India is ready to explore cooperation in patrol vessels, radars, air-defence systems, helicopters and drones according to the requirements of individual ASEAN countries.

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The forum brings together policymakers, defence practitioners, researchers and think tanks from India and all 11 ASEAN member states. Singh proposes a joint research agenda, pilot projects and regular exchanges among researchers to turn policy discussions into implementable recommendations.

The initiative supports India's Act East Policy and its vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. With 2026 designated as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation, the emphasis is on building practical capabilities while respecting national sovereignty, international law and the priorities of each partner.

The immediate outcome is a push for structured dialogue and potential collaborative projects rather than a newly announced defence contract. The next challenge is to translate these proposals into sustained cooperation across maritime security, emerging technologies and defence manufacturing.

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