In a significant move to strengthen regional security architecture, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has proposed establishing a joint defence think tank between India and ASEAN member nations. The announcement came during high-level discussions aimed at deepening strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
Strengthening Regional Security Framework
The proposed defence think tank forum represents a major step forward in India-ASEAN cooperation, designed to foster collaborative research and policy development on emerging security challenges. This initiative underscores India's commitment to being a reliable partner in maintaining peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific.
"This forum will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, conducting joint research, and developing coordinated approaches to common security concerns," Minister Singh emphasized during his address.
Enhanced Maritime Cooperation
The defence minister highlighted the critical importance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, calling for increased cooperation in areas including:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Counter-piracy operations
- Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
- Freedom of navigation initiatives
- Joint naval exercises
Comprehensive Partnership Vision
Beyond the think tank proposal, Singh outlined a comprehensive vision for India-ASEAN relations that extends across multiple domains:
- Economic Security: Enhancing trade connectivity and supply chain resilience
- Technological Collaboration: Partnering on emerging defence technologies
- Capacity Building: Expanding training programs and military exchanges
- Counter-Terrorism: Strengthening intelligence sharing and coordination
"Our partnership with ASEAN is not just strategic but civilizational," the defence minister noted, highlighting the historical and cultural ties that bind the regions together.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges
The initiative comes at a crucial time when the Indo-Pacific region faces multiple security challenges, including territorial disputes, climate change impacts, and evolving geopolitical dynamics. The proposed think tank aims to provide timely analysis and policy recommendations to address these complex issues.
ASEAN defence ministers welcomed India's proactive approach, recognizing the potential for this collaboration to significantly enhance regional security coordination and strategic planning.
