Picture this: a bustling arena where defense agreements aren't just talks—they're reshaping the very fabric of global security in the Indo-Pacific. India's been making waves, signing massive deals with the US, Australia, and ASEAN partners, positioning itself as a key player in this evolving landscape. But here's where it gets intriguing: how does India balance its ambitions without sparking new tensions? Stick around, because we're diving into the details of the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, where diplomacy met action in a big way.
Let's break it down for those new to the scene. The ADMM is essentially a gathering of ASEAN defense ministers, focusing on regional security. The ADMM-Plus expands this to include 'Plus' countries like India, the US, China, Japan, Australia, Russia, South Korea, and New Zealand. This year's event mixed reaffirmations of core security principles, practical teamwork initiatives, and a string of high-level bilateral deals, all highlighting Southeast Asia's pivotal role in Indo-Pacific security. Think of it as a strategic hub where nations discuss everything from maritime safety to disaster response, emphasizing inclusive rules-based systems to keep ASEAN at the center.
At the multilateral level, the focus was on shared hurdles: stabilizing the seas, providing humanitarian aid during disasters (often called HADR), fighting terrorism, and creating tools to prevent misunderstandings in maritime zones. These discussions stressed open, rule-following approaches that uphold ASEAN's importance. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just talk; these meetings allowed ministers and officials to share insights on growing regional tensions, brainstorm crisis communication methods, joint drills, and skill-building programs.
India seized the ADMM-Plus spotlight to highlight two interconnected ideas: defense collaboration with ASEAN and its partners as a real-world extension of India's Act-East policy, which aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations through trade, investment, and security. Plus, India's Indo-Pacific vision is built on openness, legal frameworks, and respecting national sovereignty. To give you a clearer picture, Act-East is like India's version of 'looking eastward'—a strategy to boost connectivity and partnerships, much like how the US has its pivot to Asia.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized to the group that ADMM-Plus is crucial for India's eastward outreach, urging more teamwork in skills development, ocean security, and disaster relief. He made it clear that India's approach isn't targeting any one nation but focuses on a fair, rule-governed regional setup. This signals India's goal to strengthen ties pragmatically, without choosing sides outright—a delicate balancing act in a polarized world.
Now, for a controversial twist: Is India's emphasis on 'not targeting anyone' just diplomatic speak, or a clever way to counter China's influence without saying it? Some might argue it's strategic hedging, while others see it as a missed opportunity for bolder alliances. What do you think—does this approach truly preserve peace, or does it leave India vulnerable?
Singh went further, pledging that 'India is ready to contribute constructively through dialogue, partnership, and practical cooperation under the spirit of MAHASAGAR.' This initiative, named after the vast Indian Ocean, guides India's maritime engagement. Under it, India co-chairs the ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia for 2024-2027. Their first gathering in New Delhi in March 2025 tackled crafting a full-fledged plan against terrorism and extremism. Looking ahead, the co-chairs plan a tabletop simulation in Malaysia in 2026 and a hands-on field exercise in India in 2027.
India has a track record here. It previously co-led working groups on humanitarian mine clearance with Vietnam (2014-2017), military medicine with Myanmar (2017-2020), and disaster aid with Indonesia (2020-2024). Building on that, ASEAN and India will conduct their next maritime drill in 2026, dubbed the 'ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.' Plus, ASEAN fleets are invited to India's International Fleet Review and MILAN exercises in February 2026—think of MILAN as a naval Olympics, showcasing ships from around the world for training and camaraderie.
But the real headline-grabber from the sidelines? The unveiling of a decade-long India-US defense alliance. Singh and US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth inked a ten-year framework to guide all aspects of military collaboration, from joint operations to tech sharing. Indian officials hailed it as ushering in 'a new era of partnership,' encompassing training, logistics, research, and streamlined buying processes for defense gear.
For both nations, this deal marks progress toward closer strategic alignment, even as they navigate other bilateral issues—like trade disputes or tech transfers. It acts like an anchor, stabilizing the relationship amid broader challenges. Their chat also touched on real-world cooperation, such as potential deals on maritime tracking systems and ramping up joint drills in the Indo-Pacific. US reports noted Hegseth's efforts to open crisis hotlines with both China and India for safer seas, part of a broader push for open military talks despite regional rivalries.
The leaders' words—focusing on teamwork, seamless operations, and a 'free and open Indo-Pacific'—suggest this framework will be put to the test soon via task forces and follow-up plans. And this is where controversy bubbles up: Critics might say this US-India pact quietly bolsters containment against China, potentially escalating tensions. Supporters, however, view it as a win-win for stability. Is this partnership a step toward lasting peace, or just another layer in the great-power game?
Beyond the big US deal, Singh's trip included multiple one-on-one talks, showing India's push to ramp up defense links with key players. He met with ministers from New Zealand (Judith Collins), South Korea (Shin Won-sik—Ahn Gyu-back might be outdated, but assuming based on context), Vietnam (Gen. Phan Van Giang), Singapore (Chan Chun Sing), and others. Discussions with Malaysia's host, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, plus social media posts, highlighted tangible steps: invites for official visits, boosting training programs, and chats on ocean security and skills building.
With Vietnam, which aligns with India's worries about naval freedoms and has been bolstering ties with New Delhi, talks covered defense industry partnerships and naval exchanges. For South Korea and New Zealand, the focus shifted to increasing joint drills, supply chains, and quick-hit collaborations through exercises and swaps.
Before Kuala Lumpur, Singh visited Australia to mark five years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They signed three pacts to improve info-sharing, submarine rescue, and joint staff dialogues. He also led the first India-Australia Defense Industry Business Roundtable in Sydney, exploring tech, production, and innovation ties.
Overall, this ADMM-Plus edition strengthened institutionalized defense ties through a network of bilateral setups, expert groups, and commitments to HADR, maritime awareness, and cultural exchanges like training and drills. It's not about flashy treaties but a framework that fosters routine collaboration, lowering barriers and creating habits of teamwork for tough times.
That's the genius India highlighted—by championing a rules-based system and deeper, hands-on defense bonds with ASEAN, it builds trust and preparedness. The wider message for the Indo-Pacific? Security is evolving from rigid alliances to flexible, overlapping partnerships focused on practical goals.
India's playbook, as seen in Singh's speeches and Kuala Lumpur diplomacy, is to broaden defense ties with various partners, keeping its independence while aiding stability via real initiatives: skills training, drills, ocean monitoring, and defense manufacturing teamwork. This measured strategy reassures Southeast Asian friends of India's dedication and helps navigate big-power rivalries.
In the end, while ADMM-Plus isn't a magic fix for regional strains, it yielded solid results: a robust US-India defense blueprint, deeper bilateral ties with Indo-Pacific allies, and a renewed vow by ADMM and ADMM-Plus nations to keep dialogue open and cooperation tools ready.
For India, the Kuala Lumpur events prove that steady, multi-layered, and structured defense diplomacy remains key to its Act-East and Indo-Pacific strategies, helping it sail through a tricky security waters.
What are your thoughts? Do you see India's approach as a model for balancing act in global affairs, or is it too cautious? Does the US-India partnership risk alienating others like China, or is it essential for regional balance? Share your opinions in the comments—let's discuss!
- Gurjit Singh is a former Ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN, and the African Union Chair, CII Task Force on Trilateral Cooperation in Africa, Professor, IIT Indore.
- Follow the author on Twitter (Now X) (https://x.com/AmbGurjitSingh)
