Rajnath Singh calls for deeper defense cooperation between India and ASEAN, for joint development of military technologies

Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh along with DG MP-IDSA Ambassador Sujan R. Chinoy and other dignitaries pose for a joint photo during the ASEAN-India Defense Think Tank Forum in New Delhi on Wednesday (Oct. 14, 2026) | Photo credit: ANI

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (Oct 14, 2026) called for deeper defense and technology cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for joint research, co-production of military equipment and strengthening maritime security to address emerging regional challenges.

Speaking at the first ASEAN-India Defense Think Tank Forum at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defense Studies and Analyzes (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi, Mr. Singh said that India was striving for an Indo-Pacific region where countries, irrespective of their size, could take independent decisions, protect their interests and pursue development peacefully.

He called for mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, respect for international law and maintaining open channels of dialogue to address conventional and emerging security threats. “India believes that security is enhanced when countries jointly build capacity, respect international law and maintain trust through dialogue,” he said, adding that regional cooperation should not force countries to choose sides.

Mr. Singh said India’s Act East policy along with its visions of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) are in line with the ASEAN-led mechanisms that are central to New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific approach.

He highlighted the common maritime interests of India and Southeast Asian countries and said cooperation in maritime domain awareness, interoperability and underwater surveillance is essential to maintain a stable rules-based maritime order. The declaration of 2026 as the Year of ASEAN-India Maritime Cooperation offered an opportunity to translate common interests into practical results, he added.

He called for greater information sharing, cooperation between the Navy and Coast Guard, and joint responses to piracy, human trafficking and illegal fishing.

On defense technology, Mr. Singh highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities and space systems. He cited India’s Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund (TDF) initiatives as potential models for cooperation, which include start-ups, universities and research institutions, especially in the field of anti-drone systems, cyber defense and maritime surveillance.

India is also ready to explore defense industrial partnerships with ASEAN members in patrol vessels, radars, air defense systems, helicopters and drones, he said. Such partnerships could include joint development, co-production, maintenance, repair and overhaul, training and long-term technical support.

Mr. Singh called on the think tanks to create a joint research agenda, identify pilot projects and encourage exchanges between researchers. He also called for greater cooperation in humanitarian and disaster relief.

Held on October 14 and 15, the two-day forum brings together participants from India and all 11 ASEAN member states to explore practical avenues to strengthen defense and security ties.

Published – 14 Oct 2026 22:08 IST