Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Cebu, Philippines, October 29: Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for stronger strategic and military cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), outlining a series of proposals at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines. Emphasising the importance of peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, Singh underlined the need to respect international law, ensure freedom of navigation and strengthen maritime security. He also proposed establishing a robust ‘Defence Youth Bridge’ to expand cooperation between young people in India and ASEAN countries.

Addressing the gathering on Thursday, the Defence Minister highlighted the importance of the younger generation in shaping the future of India-ASEAN relations. He said that the energy, dynamism and aspirations of young people represented one of the greatest strengths of both India and the ASEAN nations. According to Singh, the relatively young populations of India and Southeast Asia offer a significant demographic advantage and provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation in the years ahead.

“The greatest strength we have in taking India-ASEAN relations to a new level is our younger generation. Their enthusiasm, dynamism and ambition will shape our future,” Singh said, emphasising the close connection between the demographic profiles and long-term prospects of the two regions.

To translate this shared potential into practical cooperation, Singh formally proposed the establishment of a strong ‘Defence Youth Bridge’ between India and ASEAN. The proposed initiative would seek to strengthen people-to-people contacts, encourage digital innovation and promote capacity-building in the defence and security sectors. It is intended to create greater opportunities for young people from both sides to exchange ideas, share expertise and contribute to regional peace and stability.

The Defence Minister also highlighted the importance of aligning the initiative with the objectives of the ASEAN framework on ‘Youth, Peace and Security’, as reflected in the joint declaration adopted at the ASEAN meeting. By encouraging youth participation in defence-related dialogue and cooperation, the proposed bridge could help develop a new generation of professionals committed to regional security, technological advancement and peaceful engagement.

Alongside his proposal for youth cooperation, Singh placed particular emphasis on the importance of international maritime law in maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific. He stressed that respect for international law and freedom of navigation remained essential to ensuring secure and open sea routes. Maritime security, he indicated, was a shared responsibility that required sustained cooperation among regional partners.

The Indo-Pacific region occupies a crucial position in global trade, energy transportation and strategic connectivity. Sea routes across the region are vital to the economic interests of India and ASEAN countries, making their protection an important priority. Against this backdrop, adherence to international maritime rules and the peaceful management of disputes remain central to efforts to maintain regional stability.

Singh’s remarks in Cebu underline India's intention to deepen its defence engagement with Southeast Asian partners through dialogue, cooperation and capacity-building. The emphasis on maritime security reflects the importance New Delhi attaches to a stable Indo-Pacific in which countries can pursue their economic and strategic interests while respecting international law.

The proposed Defence Youth Bridge also signals an effort to broaden the scope of India-ASEAN defence cooperation beyond traditional military engagement. By placing young people, digital innovation and institutional capacity-building at the centre of the initiative, India is seeking to create opportunities for long-term collaboration and stronger mutual understanding.

Defence officials from participating countries discuss regional security challenges at the ADMM-Plus forum, Singh’s proposals highlight two important priorities: strengthening cooperation among the next generation of leaders and upholding the international rules governing maritime activity. Together, these objectives form part of India's broader approach to promoting peace, stability and constructive partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.