What happened
On October 30, 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced his departure for Kuala Lumpur to attend the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus), scheduled for November 1. The visit, spanning October 30–31, will also include the second edition of the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting, chaired by Malaysia, where Defence Ministers from all ASEAN member states will participate. Singh will address the ADMM-Plus forum on the theme “Reflection on 15 Years of ADMM-Plus and Charting the Way Forward.” The visit will feature bilateral meetings with counterparts from participating nations and Malaysia’s senior leadership, reinforcing India’s commitment to regional security cooperation.
Why it matters to India
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s participation highlights India’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific through the Act East Policy and its emphasis on inclusive and sustainable regional security. The ADMM-Plus, which brings together ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners including India, serves as a key platform for defence collaboration, counter-terrorism, and maritime cooperation.