Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently highlighted the crucial need for the Indo-Pacific region to remain free from coercion and adhere to a rules-based international order. Speaking at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, he reiterated India’s stance that such an order is vital for maintaining peace, prosperity, and stability across this vast maritime area.
Singh’s comments are particularly relevant as China continues to expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific, evidenced by its establishment of military bases, assertion of maritime claims, and seeking strategic concessions from vulnerable nations.
The Defence Minister emphasized that India’s advocacy for the rule of law, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and its support for freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific, are not targeted against any single country. Instead, these principles are designed to protect the shared interests of all stakeholders in the region.
Addressing the forum on charting a way forward for ADMM-Plus, Singh stated that India’s engagement with ASEAN is built on long-term, principle-driven cooperation, underscoring a mutual belief that the Indo-Pacific should be open, inclusive, and free from coercion.
In a separate address, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth directly addressed concerns about China, stating, “We seek peace. We do not seek conflict. But we must ensure that China is not seeking to dominate you or anybody else.”
Earlier, on Friday, Singh met with Hegseth, highlighting the critical role of the India-US partnership in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The two nations recently signed a 10-year framework to deepen their defense relationship, prioritizing joint efforts for peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Singh further noted that ADMM-Plus is a key element of India’s Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. As the forum enters its 16th year, India is committed to enhancing cooperation, promoting dialogue over discord, and strengthening regional mechanisms for peace and stability.
He shared key lessons learned over the past 15 years: inclusive cooperation, regional ownership, and collective security are essential for strengthening individual sovereignty. Singh also touched upon the importance of inclusivity in security, ensuring all nations have a voice in shaping the regional order, and sustainability, which involves building resilient and adaptable security architectures based on long-term cooperation.
“For India, these principles align with its strategic outlook. India’s security vision for the Indo-Pacific integrates defense cooperation with economic development, technology sharing, and human resource advancement. The interlinkages between security, growth, and sustainability define India’s approach to partnership with ASEAN,” Singh added, noting that India’s engagements reinforce rather than compete with ASEAN mechanisms.
US Urges ASEAN to Counter China’s South China Sea Actions
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth voiced concerns over China’s escalating aggression in the disputed South China Sea waters, citing incidents like vessel ramming and water cannon use. He stated that China’s actions challenge the territorial sovereignty of nations in the region.
Hegseth criticized China’s sweeping territorial and maritime claims as contradictory to its commitments to peaceful dispute resolution. He urged ASEAN to expedite the conclusion of a Code of Conduct with China to govern maritime behavior. Additionally, he stressed the need for ASEAN to bolster its capabilities, including joint surveillance and rapid-response tools, to deter provocations.
The US official proposed developing a “shared maritime domain awareness” system to alert member nations of threats. “We need to develop our joint capabilities to respond, and this includes being able to monitor maritime conduct and develop the tools that allow us to respond quickly,” Hegseth concluded, emphasizing that countries facing aggression should not feel alone.