Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held productive meetings with Philippine, South Korean, Japanese, US and Australian defence leaders during the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, discussing maritime security, joint defence production, military technology cooperation, counterterrorism and Indo-Pacific stability.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held productive bilateral meetings with Philippine Secretary of National Defence Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and South Korean Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, on Wednesday. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, expanding strategic partnerships, enhancing maritime security and promoting stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
Following his meeting with Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Singh said both sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and explored opportunities to deepen their strategic partnership, particularly in maritime security and joint defence production.
In a post on X, the Indian Defence Minister reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to promoting a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. He emphasised that closer defence collaboration between India and the Philippines would contribute to regional security and strengthen cooperation in areas of shared strategic interest.
The meeting comes amid growing engagement between India and the Philippines in defence and security matters, with maritime cooperation emerging as an important component of their bilateral relationship. Both countries have an interest in maintaining regional stability and strengthening their capacity to address evolving security challenges.
Singh also held discussions with South Korean Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul, reviewing the expansion of defence cooperation between India and the Republic of Korea (ROK).
Describing the meeting as productive, Singh said the two sides discussed ways to co-develop military technologies and further strengthen regional security in the Indo-Pacific. The discussions reflected the importance both countries attach to technological collaboration, defence innovation and closer strategic coordination.
India and South Korea have been exploring opportunities to deepen their defence partnership, including cooperation in defence manufacturing and technology. The latest meeting provided an opportunity to review existing initiatives and identify further areas for collaboration amid changing regional security dynamics.
Earlier on Wednesday, Singh met Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi. The two leaders welcomed the steady progress in bilateral defence cooperation since their previous meeting in August and discussed advancing the agreed direction of their partnership.
The engagement highlighted the continued importance of India-Japan defence relations in supporting regional stability and strengthening cooperation among countries committed to a free and secure Indo-Pacific.
Singh also met United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to review progress under the India-US Major Defence Partnership. According to the Ministry of Defence, the meeting provided an important opportunity to assess ongoing cooperation and explore ways to accelerate operational readiness, technology sharing and defence industrial integration.
Both sides noted progress in their foundational security agreements and discussed additional avenues to strengthen military cooperation. The talks also addressed regional security challenges, with particular emphasis on combating terrorism.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Defence, both countries reaffirmed their determination to counter the global threat of terrorism. Singh stressed the need for the international community to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards countries that support, train or finance terrorist organisations.
Hegseth reaffirmed US support for India in its fight against cross-border terrorism. Singh expressed India’s appreciation for Washington’s continued support, according to the ministry’s statement.
The discussions underscored the role of counterterrorism cooperation in the broader India-US security partnership, alongside defence technology, military preparedness and industrial collaboration.
The Indian Defence Minister also met Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles on the sidelines of the ADMM-Plus meeting.
Following the meeting, Singh said the two sides held productive discussions on reviewing bilateral defence cooperation, improving military interoperability and addressing regional security challenges.
He emphasised India’s commitment to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia and highlighted the importance of working together to maintain a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region.
The meetings in Cebu form part of India’s broader diplomatic and defence engagement with key regional and international partners. Through bilateral discussions alongside the multilateral ADMM-Plus platform, India is seeking to strengthen strategic partnerships, improve military coordination and expand cooperation in defence technology and production.
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The series of engagements also reflects the growing importance of maritime security, counterterrorism and defence industrial collaboration in addressing emerging regional challenges.
By engaging with defence leaders from the Philippines, South Korea, Japan, the United States and Australia, Singh reinforced India’s emphasis on partnerships that support regional peace, strategic stability and security across the Indo-Pacific.
