Vientiane, Lao PDR: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Vientiane, Lao PDR on November 21, 2024. During these interactions, Rajnath Singh met with prominent defence ministers from South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand to discuss strengthening defence cooperation and regional security.
Meeting with South Korean Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh and South Korean Minister of National Defence, Kim Yong Hyun, agreed that the bilateral defence cooperation between India and South Korea was progressing positively. They acknowledged the shared challenges both nations face, underscoring the importance of a strong defence relationship to address these security concerns.
The two leaders discussed the “Road map for Defence Industry Cooperation” signed in February 2020, which they are keen to advance through mechanisms like the Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD). The next edition of the DPD is scheduled for December 2024. Rajnath Singh emphasized the potential for growth in defence manufacturing collaboration between the two nations, particularly in co-production and co-development. He invited South Korean companies to explore investment opportunities in India’s defence corridors, highlighting the immense potential for setting up manufacturing facilities.
Rajnath Singh also congratulated Kim on his recent appointment as the Defence Minister of South Korea, signaling India’s support for the continued strengthening of bilateral ties.
Meeting with Australian Defence Minister
In his meeting with Australian Minister for Defence Industry & Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, Rajnath Singh reaffirmed that the India-Australia defence partnership is rooted in shared interests, particularly ensuring stability and security in the Indian Ocean region. The Raksha Mantri expressed satisfaction with the progress made in defence engagements between the two nations in recent years and noted the untapped potential for collaboration in niche areas.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the exchange of an implementation arrangement on Air-to-Air refuelling, which will enhance interoperability between the Indian and Australian Air Forces. Both sides agreed to elevate their defence cooperation further, both bilaterally and in regional contexts.
Meeting with New Zealand Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh also met with Defence Minister of New Zealand, Judith Collins, and discussed the growing India-New Zealand defence relationship. He highlighted the shared democratic values, common governance structures, and mutual interests in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two leaders agreed on the importance of finalizing the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) at the earliest to further solidify their defence collaboration. Rajnath Singh underscored India’s capabilities in shipbuilding, noting that both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in this crucial sector. This would mark a new chapter in strengthening maritime security and defence industry ties between the two nations.
Building Stronger Defence Partnerships
Throughout these discussions, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh stressed India’s commitment to deepening defence cooperation with key regional partners, focusing on shared security interests and regional stability. The meetings underscored the importance of continued engagement and collaboration in the face of evolving global security challenges, and all leaders expressed optimism about further advancing their defence relations in the years ahead.