Vientiane, Lao PDR: On the final day of his three-day visit to Vientiane, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh held crucial bilateral discussions with Japan’s Defence MinisterGen Nakatani and the Philippines’ Secretary of National Defence Gilberto Teodoro. The meetings underscored India’s commitment to strengthening defence ties in the Indo-Pacific region, promoting regional security, and fostering cooperation across diverse domains.
In his meeting with Gen Nakatani, Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of enhancing defence industry and technology cooperation. The two leaders reflected on the recent signing of the Memorandum of Implementation for the UNICORN mast in Japan, terming it a significant step toward co-production and co-development in the defence manufacturing sector.
Discussions also centered on boosting interoperability between Indian and Japanese forces. Both leaders deliberated on the Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services Agreement, the participation of their militaries in bilateral and multilateral exercises, and exploring new avenues for collaboration in the air domain.
Rajnath Singh extended a warm welcome to the Philippines as the new country coordinator for India in ASEAN and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus forum for the next cycle. In his meeting with Gilberto Teodoro, the two leaders agreed to broaden cooperation in key areas, including defence industry collaboration, counter-terrorism, space exploration, maritime security, and the exchange of subject matter experts.
The discussions highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and the Philippines, particularly in addressing shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Before concluding his visit, Rajnath Singh visited the historic Wat Sisaket Temple in Vientiane, where he sought blessings from Mahaveth Chittakaro, the Abbot of Sisaket Temple.
During his stay, the Raksha Mantri also participated in the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), engaging with counterparts from Malaysia, Lao PDR, China, the United States, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines.
Rajnath Singh’s engagements in Vientiane reflect India’s continued emphasis on fostering regional stability and strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations. The outcomes of his meetings reaffirm India’s role as a key player in shaping a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.