India’s Indo-Pacific Defense Diplomacy Accelerates with Major Deals and Multilateral Engagements
At the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting and ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, India launched a decade-long defense framework with the US and deepened defense ties with Australia, ASEAN, and Indo-Pacific partners. India emphasized practical cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian assistance, underscoring its Act-East policy and a rules-based, inclusive regional order.
During the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, India made significant strides in defense diplomacy with a focus on practical cooperation and strategic partnerships. India co-chairs the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and will host exercises to enhance regional counterterrorism capabilities. A landmark 10-year India–US defense framework pact was signed, promising enhanced interoperability, joint training, technology collaboration, and streamlined procurement, symbolizing a new era of strategic convergence despite other bilateral tensions. India also reinforced cooperation with Australia by signing key agreements on information sharing, submarine rescue, and joint staff talks, and co-chaired the India-Australia Defence Industry Business Roundtable. Bilateral talks with ASEAN members like Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia expanded training, maritime security, and defense industrial cooperation. India’s approach highlights a pragmatic but principled stance aimed at strengthening regional stability through overlapping partnerships and institutionally grounded defense diplomacy, aligned with its Act-East and Indo-Pacific policies. India promotes a rules-based regional order respecting sovereignty and maritime freedom, positioning defense diplomacy as critical in navigating the complex Indo-Pacific security environment. These developments underscore India's commitment to multilateral cooperation and deepening defense ties as stabilizing factors amid great-power competition.
