Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the inaugural ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum on 14 October 2026 at the MP‑IDSA. He urged deeper defence and technological cooperation, joint research, co‑production of equipment and stronger maritime security to meet emerging regional challenges.
Key Developments
- India seeks joint research and co‑production in iDEX and the Technology Development Fund (TDF).
- Designation of 2026 as the ASEAN‑India Year of Maritime Cooperation to boost maritime domain awareness, interoperability and underwater surveillance.
- Proposal for information‑sharing, joint naval and coast‑guard exercises, and coordinated action against piracy, trafficking and illegal fishing.
- Exploration of defence industrial partnerships in patrol vessels, radars, air‑defence systems, helicopters and drones.
- Call for think‑tanks to draft a joint research agenda, launch pilot projects and facilitate researcher exchanges.
Important Facts
The minister linked India’s Act East policy with the SAGAR and MAHASAGAR visions. He emphasized that cooperation should not force countries to pick sides, stressing mutual trust, respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this initiative helps aspirants answer questions on:
- India’s maritime strategy and its role in the Indo‑Pacific framework.
- Regional security architecture, especially the interplay between ASEAN and India.
- Technology‑driven defence cooperation, highlighting programmes like iDEX and TDF.
- India’s strategic use of soft power through joint research, capacity building and humanitarian assistance.
Way Forward
For effective implementation, the following steps are essential:
- Finalize a joint research agenda with clear milestones and funding mechanisms.
- Set up pilot projects in AI‑enabled maritime surveillance, counter‑drone systems and cyber defence.
- Establish regular naval and coast‑guard exchanges, including joint exercises and data‑sharing protocols.
- Promote public‑private partnerships involving start‑ups, universities and defence industries of both sides.
- Monitor progress through a bilateral steering committee reporting to the Ministry of Defence and ASEAN Secretariat.
These measures aim to translate the declared intent into tangible outcomes, strengthening regional stability and advancing India’s strategic interests in the Indo‑Pacific.