India is committed to collective regional security and the eradication of terrorism in all its forms and is ready to share its battle-tested counter-terrorism expertise with ASEAN partners to strengthen joint capabilities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday (October 29, 2026).
Singh said India had designated 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and had conducted the second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise. Addressing the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, Mr. Emphasising that terrorism knows no borders, Mr. In a significant proposal to deepen regional engagement, Mr. Singh called for the establishment of a dedicated defence ‘Youth Bridge’ to strengthen institutional people-to-people connectivity between India and ASEAN countries. The ASEAN members appreciated the move of establishing ‘Youth Bridge’. The initiative would promote digital innovation and capacity building, while providing greater opportunities for young people to contribute to regional peace and security. The proposal was appreciated by ASEAN members. Highlighting the importance of maritime security, Mr. He reiterated India’s commitment to freedom of navigation, international maritime law and the security of global sea lanes.
Singh said India’s counter-terrorism experience was not theoretical knowledge but had been acquired through decades of confronting complex security challenges, including cross-border terrorism. He said India’s strategies had been tested and refined through real-world operations, with Operation Sindoor demonstrating the country’s proactive counter-terrorism doctrine. During the operation, India dismantled terrorist infrastructure and enforced a firm red line against state-sponsored terrorism, he said. Singh said India was prepared to share its operational experience with ADMM-Plus partners through joint exercises, capacity-building programmes and intelligence sharing.
