India Offers Counter-Terror Expertise to ASEAN and Dialogue Partners

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced India's readiness to share its counter-terrorism experience with ASEAN nations. Speaking at the ADMM-Plus conclave in the Philippines, he emphasized maritime security, regional stability, and joint efforts against state-sponsored terrorism.

CEBU, PHILIPPINES — India has expressed its readiness to share its counter-terrorism expertise with member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its dialogue partners. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made the announcement on Thursday during an address at the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) conclave held in Cebu, Philippines.

Highlighting India's approach to regional security, Singh stated that the country is fully prepared to share its practical and battle-tested counter-terrorism experience through joint military exercises, capacity-building programmes, and intelligence sharing. He cited Operation Sindoor from the previous year, noting that it served as a declaration of India's clear stance against state-sponsored terrorist activities and involved the destruction of large-scale terrorist infrastructure.

Singh noted that India's counter-terrorism experience is rooted in decades of confronting cross-border security challenges, specifically referring to Pakistan's use of terrorism against India, and that these strategies have been tested and proven in actual operations.

Addressing broader regional security, the defence minister highlighted the importance of a secure and resilient Indo-Pacific. He stated that maritime security is directly connected to peace, security, and prosperity in the region, noting that disruptions in global trade routes require more than just statements.

Singh reiterated India's commitment to acting as a trusted net security provider in the Indian Ocean region and the wider Indo-Pacific. He emphasized India's support for the rule of law, specifically highlighting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), along with advocacy for freedom of navigation and overflight to protect the collective interests of regional stakeholders.

"Geopolitical stability and maritime security are foundational elements for international trade and economic growth across the Indo-Pacific region. As supply chains face evolving international challenges, India's positioning as a reliable security provider and its willingness to foster collaborative defense frameworks with ASEAN partners creates a more predictable and secure environment for cross-border business operations and regional economic development." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes