 Early Times Report
LEH, Oct 14: "India seeks an Indo-Pacific where all countries - large and small - make their own choices, protect their interests and pursue development in peace," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh as he called for building trust, respecting each other's sovereignty, following international law and keeping channels of dialogue open to tackle both emerging and conventional "borderless challenges". He was addressing the maiden Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - India Defence Think Tank Forum at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi on October 14, 2026.
Raksha Mantri asserted that India and ASEAN share a clear interest in peace, stability, prosperity and an open & inclusive Indo-Pacific. He emphasised that India's Act East policy and the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) advocate for an open and multipolar cooperation, and the nation aligns them through ASEAN-led mechanisms that are central to its Indo-Pacific vision. He noted that the region is witnessing rapid changes in the face of growing strategic competition and pressure & uncertainty created at times through actions at sea, in addition to threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, climate-related disasters and risks to vital supply chains. No country alone can address these challenges, he said.
Rajnath Singh underlined the need to discuss differences early and peacefully, before they become disputes, and pitched for a regional order where countries work together without being forced to choose sides. "India believes that security is strengthened when countries build capacity together, respect international law and maintain trust through dialogue," he said.
Raksha Mantri highlighted the centuries-old close ties between India and Southeast Asia rooted in shared history, culture, trade & ideas, reiterating that the Act East Policy is a long-term commitment to working with the region as an equal partner. "India's approach and ASEAN's outlook on the Indo-Pacific can complement each other. We should strengthen cooperation, not create competition between regional forums," he said.
Rajnath Singh stated that keeping the Indian Ocean and the waters of Southeast Asia safe is a shared responsibility as they are part of one connected maritime space, crucial for trade, energy, people and essential goods. Strengthening maritime domain awareness, interoperability, and collaboration in underwater awareness will be key to ensuring a stable, rule-based maritime order, he said.
Raksha Mantri stressed that as 2026 has been designated as ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, it is an opportunity to turn shared interest into practical action. "We should improve the sharing of maritime information, strengthen cooperation among our navies and coast guards, and build the ability to respond together to emergencies. We should also work against piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing and other threats, in accordance with international law," he said. |
