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.

Mr. Singh said India’s Act East policy, along with its SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) visions, aligned with ASEAN-led mechanisms central to New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific approach.

Highlighting the shared maritime interests of India and Southeast Asian nations, he said cooperation in maritime domain awareness, interoperability and underwater surveillance was essential to maintaining a stable, rules-based maritime order. Designating 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation offered an opportunity to translate common interests into practical outcomes, he added.

He called for greater information-sharing, cooperation between navies and coast guards, and joint responses to piracy, trafficking and illegal fishing.

On defence technology, Mr. Singh highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence, drones, cyber capabilities and space-based systems. He cited India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund (TDF) initiatives as potential models for collaboration, involving start-ups, universities and research institutions, particularly in counter-drone systems, cyber defence and maritime surveillance.

India was also ready to explore defence industrial partnerships with ASEAN members in patrol vessels, radars, air-defence systems, helicopters and drones, he said. Such partnerships could encompass co-development, co-production, maintenance, repair and overhaul, training and long-term technical support.

Mr. Singh urged think tanks to develop a joint research agenda, identify pilot projects and promote exchanges among researchers. He also called for greater cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The two-day forum, being held on October 14 and 15, brings together participants from India and all 11 ASEAN member States to explore practical avenues for strengthening defence and security ties.