Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Wednesday that “India seeks an Indo-Pacific where all countries — large and small — make their own choices, protect their interests and pursue development in peace” and called for building trust, respecting each other’s sovereignty, following international law and keeping channels of dialogue open to tackle both emerging and conventional “borderless challenges”.Addressing the maiden Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – India Defence Think Tank Forum at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, the minister asserted that India and ASEAN share a clear interest in peace, stability, prosperity and an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He emphasised that India’s Act East policy and the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) advocate for an open and multipolar cooperation, and the nation aligns them through ASEAN-led mechanisms that are central to its Indo-Pacific vision.On defence industrial cooperation, Rajnath asserted that India is ready to explore cooperation with ASEAN partners in areas such as patrol vessels, radars, air-defence systems, helicopters, drones and other technologies, according to each country’s needs and priorities. He said the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative focuses on building stronger domestic capabilities, but self-reliance does not mean working in isolation. It can create opportunities for trusted partners to design, build, maintain and improve equipment together, he said. Underlining the importance of co-development, co-production, maintenance, repair and overhaul, training and long-term technical support, he said these arrangements can build local skills, support industry and make supply chains more reliable.Rajnath noted that the region is witnessing rapid changes in the face of growing strategic competition and pressure and uncertainty created at times through actions at sea, in addition to threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing, climate-related disasters and risks to vital supply chains. No country alone can address these challenges, he said. Rajnath underlined the need to discuss differences early and peacefully, before they become disputes, and pitched for a regional order where countries work together without being forced to choose sides. “India believes that security is strengthened when countries build capacity together, respect international law and maintain trust through dialogue,” he said.He highlighted the centuries-old close ties between India and Southeast Asia rooted in shared history, culture, trade and ideas, reiterating that the Act East Policy is a long-term commitment to working with the region as an equal partner.Rajnath said that keeping the Indian Ocean and waters of Southeast Asia safe is a shared responsibility as they are part of one connected maritime space, crucial for trade, energy, people and essential goods. He stressed that as 2026 has been designated as ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, it is an opportunity to turn shared interest into practical action. “We should improve the sharing of maritime information, strengthen cooperation among our navies and coast guards, and build the ability to respond together to emergencies.
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We should also work against piracy, trafficking, illegal fishing and other threats, in accordance with international law,” he said.Terming defence technology as another crucial area, Rajnath pointed out that AI, drones, cyber capabilities and space-based systems are becoming increasingly important, with recent conflicts demonstrating that relatively low-cost drones can challenge expensive defence systems. He underscored the need to respond with practical, affordable and adaptable solutions.“India believes that innovation should not remain limited to a few large organisations. Start-ups, universities, research institutions and smaller companies can all contribute. India’s initiatives like Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and Technology Development Fund (TDF) have created a way to collaborate with innovators for our defence needs,” he said.
