Rajnath Singh calls for deeper India-ASEAN defence cooperation, joint development of military technologies

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) called for deeper defence and technological cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), pitching for joint research, co-production of military equipment and enhanced maritime security to address emerging regional challenges.

Addressing the maiden ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi, Mr. Singh said India sought an Indo-Pacific where countries, irrespective of their size, could make independent choices, protect their interests and pursue development peacefully.

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