Opening Remarks on Regional Security Architecture
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the maiden ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi on October 14, 2026. During his address, Singh articulated India's strategic objective of fostering an Indo-Pacific environment where all nations retain the autonomy to make their own choices, protect their national interests, and pursue development in peace.
The Minister emphasized that maintaining stability in the region requires building trust among nations and respecting each other’s sovereignty. He stated that adherence to international law is essential for addressing borderless challenges and that keeping channels of dialogue open remains critical for regional security.
Singh identified a range of threats that no single country can address independently, including terrorism, cybercrime, piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, climate-related disasters, and risks to vital supply chains. He argued that these issues necessitate a regional order where countries collaborate without being forced to choose sides, asserting that security is strengthened when nations build capacity together and maintain trust through continuous dialogue.
Maritime Cooperation and Strategic Frameworks
A central component of the Minister’s address focused on the importance of maritime domain awareness, interoperability, and underwater cooperation as key elements for establishing a stable, rule-based maritime order. Singh described the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian waters as a connected maritime space that is crucial for global trade and energy supplies, stating that keeping these waters safe is a shared responsibility.
To operationalize this cooperation, Singh noted that 2026 has been designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation. He urged improved sharing of maritime information and enhanced cooperation among navies and coast guards to respond to emergencies and combat threats in accordance with international law.
The Minister highlighted that India’s Act East policy, along with the visions of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR, advocate for open and multipolar cooperation aligned with ASEAN-led mechanisms. These frameworks are designed to support regional stability through inclusive engagement rather than exclusionary alliances.
Defense Industry Collaboration and Self-Reliance
Singh also addressed the concept of self-reliance in defense manufacturing, clarifying that it does not imply working in isolation. He explained that self-reliance can create opportunities for trusted partners to design, build, maintain, and improve equipment together.
He outlined specific areas for collaboration, including co-development, co-production, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), training, and technical support. This approach aims to integrate regional defense industries while maintaining strategic autonomy.