Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Vientiane, Laos, where he held crucial bilateral meetings with his counterparts from South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, focusing on enhancing defence cooperation.
Strengthening India-South Korea Defence Ties
In his meeting with South Korean Defence Minister Kim Yong Hyun, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growth potential for co-production and co-development in defence manufacturing. He invited Korean companies to invest in India’s defence corridors, emphasizing opportunities in India’s growing defence sector. Both sides agreed to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, continuing the momentum from the ‘Roadmap for Defence Industry Cooperation’ signed in 2020.
India-Australia Defence Cooperation on the Rise
Rajnath Singh also met Australian Defence Minister Pat Conroy, where he celebrated the progress in defence engagements between India and Australia. Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation, particularly in air-to-air refuelling, which will improve interoperability between their air forces. They also discussed further opportunities for collaboration in niche defence areas, with a focus on regional stability.
India-New Zealand: Strengthening Defence Relations
During his discussions with New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins, Rajnath Singh emphasized the shared democratic values and security interests that bind the two countries. He called for the swift finalization of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) to bolster defence ties, and also highlighted India’s shipbuilding capabilities. Both nations agreed to explore more cooperation in the maritime sector.
Further Engagements and Future Prospects
Beyond these meetings, Rajnath Singh held additional talks with Malaysia’s Defence Minister Khaled Nordin and Lao PDR’s Deputy Prime Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath. At the event, he also attended an Indian community gathering and highlighted India’s recent progress in various fields.
