Rajnath Singh arrives in Philippines for 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus

Cebu [Philippines]: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in the Philippines to participate in the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), scheduled for October 28–29 in Cebu. He will lead the Indian delegation at the regional forum, which brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners to discuss shared defence and security challenges.

Follow Defence Watch on LinkedIN

Singh is scheduled to address the meeting on “Exchange of Views on Regional and International Security Issues.” His agenda will also include bilateral meetings with defence counterparts from participating countries to review ongoing cooperation and explore opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships.

ADMM-Plus comprises the 11 ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners: India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The forum provides a platform for defence ministers to exchange views and strengthen cooperation on regional security.

Follow Defence Watch on Whatsapp channel 

India’s participation reflected its focus on strengthening defence ties with Southeast Asian countries under its Act East Policy. New Delhi also supports ASEAN centrality and regional efforts to promote peace, stability and cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

The Philippines chairs ADMM-Plus in 2026. India is also co-chairing the forum’s Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia for the 2024–2027 cycle, providing another channel for practical security cooperation.

(Defence Watch– India’s Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)