New India has called for deeper India-ASEAN defence cooperation to strengthen maritime security, improve defence technology, and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh outlined the proposal at the ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum on October 14, 2026.
India wants to work more closely with Southeast Asian countries in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, cybersecurity, defence manufacturing, and disaster response.
The proposed cooperation aims to improve regional security, support innovation, and help countries respond more effectively to emerging threats.
What are the Key Focus Areas of India ASEAN Defence Cooperation
India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) share important maritime interests. The Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian waters support international trade, energy supplies, and the movement of people and essential goods.
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Rajnath Singh said both sides should improve maritime information-sharing and strengthen coordination between their navies and coast guards. He also highlighted the importance of monitoring underwater activities and improving the ability to respond jointly to emergencies.
2026 Declared The ASEAN-India Year Of Maritime Cooperation
The year 2026 has been designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation. India wants to use this opportunity to turn shared goals into practical action.
The proposed cooperation includes tackling piracy, human trafficking, illegal fishing, and other maritime threats in accordance with international law. Better coordination could help protect important sea routes and support regional trade.
India-ASEAN Defence Cooperation: Major Expansion of Technology Partnership
Defence technology is another important area of cooperation between India and ASEAN countries.
Singh highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, drones, cybersecurity, and space-based systems in modern defence. He noted that relatively inexpensive drones can challenge costly defence systems, making affordable and adaptable technology increasingly important.
India wants to encourage joint research, shared testing opportunities, and exchanges between young researchers. Start-ups, universities, research institutions, and smaller companies could also contribute to defence innovation.
Joint Work On Drones And Cybersecurity
Potential areas of cooperation include:
- Counter-drone systems to detect and respond to drone threats.
- Cybersecurity to protect important digital systems.
- Maritime surveillance to improve awareness of activities at sea.
- Disaster-response technology to support emergency operations.
- Space-based systems for defence and security applications.
India also wants appropriate safeguards to protect sensitive information and intellectual property while allowing responsible technology-sharing.
India Offers Defence Manufacturing Partnerships To ASEAN
India is ready to explore deeper defence manufacturing partnerships with ASEAN countries. The proposed cooperation could cover patrol vessels, radars, air-defence systems, helicopters, drones, and other defence technologies.
The plan is not limited to selling military equipment. India wants to explore joint design, manufacturing, maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and long-term technical support.
Rajnath Singh said India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to build domestic defence capabilities without isolating the country from international partners.
Under this approach, India and ASEAN countries could work together to develop and manufacture equipment based on their individual needs and priorities.
India ASEAN Defence Cooperation: Think Tanks To Develop A Joint Research Agenda
Rajnath Singh proposed a joint India-ASEAN research agenda to study important regional security challenges.
The proposed research areas include maritime security, cyber threats, emerging technologies, disaster response, and defence industry cooperation.
He also suggested researcher exchanges, fellowships, joint publications, and pilot projects. These activities could help experts from India and ASEAN countries share knowledge and develop practical solutions.
Possible pilot projects include tabletop exercises on maritime disaster response, joint studies on counter-drone technology, and research into secure maritime information-sharing.
The forum also highlighted the importance of continued dialogue between researchers, defence experts, practitioners, and policymakers.
India’s Act East Policy And Indo-Pacific Vision
India’s proposed defence cooperation with ASEAN is linked to its wider regional policy.
Singh highlighted India’s Act East Policy and two important regional visions:
SAGAR: Security and Growth for All in the Region.
MAHASAGAR: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
These approaches support cooperation, regional stability, and stronger relationships with neighbouring countries and maritime partners.
Singh also stressed that countries should respect each other’s sovereignty, follow international law, and resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue.
He said India supports an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific where countries, regardless of their size, can make independent choices and pursue development peacefully.
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FAQs
The proposed areas include maritime security, AI, drones, cybersecurity, defence manufacturing, joint research, military coordination, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Rajnath Singh called for deeper India-ASEAN defence cooperation to improve maritime security, strengthen defence technology, expand joint manufacturing, and address shared security threats in the Indo-Pacific.
The ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation 2026 is an initiative to strengthen cooperation between India and ASEAN countries in maritime information-sharing, naval and coast guard coordination, emergency response, and efforts against piracy and illegal fishing.
