Vientiane: On the sidelines of the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM-Plus), Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met with his counterparts from Malaysia and Lao PDR in Vientiane, furthering India’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation and regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
During his meeting with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Bin Nordin, both leaders emphasized mutual support for initiatives aimed at enhancing security and stability in the region. They expressed optimism for the upcoming Malaysia-India Defence Committee Meeting, set to take place in the first quarter of 2025. The meeting is expected to facilitate in-depth discussions on expanding bilateral defence ties. India and Malaysia currently co-chair the ADMM-Plus Expert Working Group on Counter Terrorism, underlining their shared commitment to combating emerging security challenges.
“India and Malaysia are dedicated to promoting security in the region, and our continued collaboration will bring significant outcomes,” said Rajnath Singh after the meeting. Both nations are also focused on advancing counterterrorism efforts, an area of crucial concern for the broader ASEAN region.
Following the meeting with Malaysia, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh met Lao PDR Defence Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath, where he complimented Laos for its efficient leadership as the current Chair of ASEAN. He reiterated India’s strong support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality, especially in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
“We remain committed to enhancing our cooperation with Laos and ASEAN in all areas, including security, economic development, and regional stability,” Rajnath Singh remarked during the discussions.
Both leaders also celebrated the signing of the revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was exchanged during the recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Laos. The MoU, focusing on capacity-building initiatives, is expected to strengthen ties and foster deeper collaboration between India and Laos in the years ahead.
Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh attended an Indian Community event, where he highlighted the strides India has made in various sectors, driven by the government’s commitment to transforming the nation into a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. He reassured the community of India’s growing prominence on the global stage, underscoring the government’s dedication to regional peace and prosperity.
As the 11th ADMM-Plus continues on November 21, 2024, Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh is set to address the forum on key regional and international security issues. The ADMM-Plus is an annual meeting of the Defence Ministers from the ASEAN member states and its eight dialogue partners – India, USA, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. The gathering aims to strengthen security and defence cooperation across the region.
Through these engagements, India continues to affirm its role as a key partner in regional security frameworks, demonstrating a proactive approach to fostering peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.