Defence Minister Calls for Greater India-ASEAN Youth Engagement, Reaffirms Commitment to an Open, Inclusive and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific
Cebu (Philippines): Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, addressing the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, highlighted India’s extensive experience in combating terrorism and called for stronger international cooperation to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
Emphasising that India’s fight against terrorism is rooted in practical experience rather than theoretical understanding, the Defence Minister said that decades of ground-level operations have strengthened the country’s counter-terrorism capabilities. He underlined that Operation Sindoor dismantled terrorist infrastructure and demonstrated India’s firm resolve against state-sponsored terrorism before the international community.
Shri Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s readiness to share its counter-terrorism experience and operational expertise with ADMM-Plus partner countries to collectively contribute towards a secure, stable and peaceful Indo-Pacific.
Highlighting the demographic strength of India and ASEAN, the Defence Minister described their young population as their greatest asset. To channel this potential towards shared regional progress, India has proposed the establishment of a Defence Youth Bridge, an initiative aimed at strengthening people-to-people connectivity, encouraging digital innovation and promoting capacity-building.
He observed that empowering young people through greater engagement and cooperation would help lay a strong foundation for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
Referring to the guiding philosophy of India’s foreign and defence policies, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the spirit of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah” — the well-being and happiness of all — remains their fundamental guiding principle.
He also highlighted the significance of the ADMM-Plus theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” noting that it reflects the need for shared responsibility, mutual trust and collective cooperation among regional partners.
Reiterating India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific, the Defence Minister stressed the country’s commitment to an open, inclusive and rules-based regional order. He underlined that ASEAN’s centrality, alongside India’s long-term strategic partnership with the grouping, would remain vital to ensuring lasting peace, stability and security across the region.