India Emphasizes Collective Security and Inclusivity in the Indo-Pacific Region

Strategic Insights -

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of collective security and inclusivity in the Indo-Pacific region, urging all nations to remain open, inclusive, and free from coercion. Singh addressed defence ministers from Southeast Asian countries and dialogue partners, including China, at the ADMM-Plus conclave in Kuala Lumpur. He emphasized India's commitment to strengthening the Asean-led "inclusive regional security architecture," focusing on the rule of law, freedom of navigation, and overflight in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Takeaways:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for collective security in the Indo-Pacific region, ensuring every nation's sovereignty.
  • India advocates for a rule-based order, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, to safeguard the collective interests of regional stakeholders.
  • Singh emphasized that India's strategic engagement with Asean is long-term and principle-driven, resting on a shared belief in an open, inclusive, and free Indo-Pacific region.
  • The minister highlighted the importance of defence cooperation, viewing it as a contribution to regional peace, stability, and capacity building.
  • Singh underscored the experience of the past 15 years, where inclusive cooperation works, regional ownership builds legitimacy, and collective security strengthens individual sovereignty.
  • The minister emphasized the emphasis on "inclusivity and sustainability" under Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean, highlighting the importance of ensuring all nations have a role in shaping the regional order and deriving benefits from it.
  • Singh stated that India's security vision for the Indo-Pacific integrates defence cooperation with economic development, technology sharing, and human resource advancement.

Statistics:

  • The ADMM-Plus conclave is an essential component of India's 'Act East Policy' and broader Indo-Pacific vision.
  • The 15-year experience of inclusive cooperation, regional ownership, and collective security has guided India's approach to the ADMM-Plus and Asean.
  • India aims to deepen cooperation in all areas of mutual interest to promote dialogue over discord and strengthen regional mechanisms.

Sources:

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's address at the ADMM-Plus conclave in Kuala Lumpur, citing the importance of collective security and inclusivity in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Singh's emphasis on India's commitment to strengthening the Asean-led "inclusive regional security architecture".
  • The Defence Minister's statement on India's role in promoting dialogue over discord and deepening cooperation in all areas of mutual interest with Asean.