‘Unwavering commitment’: Rajnath Singh backs ASEAN centrality, calls for stronger defence ties

India reiterates its unwavering commitment to ASEAN centrality

Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and called for stronger defence cooperation and mutual trust at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines.“India reiterates its unwavering commitment to ASEAN centrality, which is a cornerstone of our Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision,” Singh said, expressing gratitude to the Philippines for hosting the meeting and extending warm hospitality.He said the forum was important for maintaining a resilient, secure and prosperous region, adding that the discussions should help address emerging disruptions and strengthen cooperation among participating countries.“I look forward to constructive deliberations and concrete outcomes from this meeting,” Singh said.

Philippine defence secretary Gilberto C Teodoro Jr, meanwhile, said two documents were signed at the ADMM the previous day — a joint statement commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the Manila Joint Declaration marking the 20th anniversary of the ADMM.Teodoro said the documents reaffirmed the participating countries’ commitment to shared principles, ASEAN unity and centrality.

He outlined three priorities for the meeting: ensuring cooperation is guided by mutual respect and international law, sustaining progress under the ADMM-Plus framework, and addressing the wider impact of global disruptions.Highlighting the importance of food and energy security amid supply chain challenges and overseas conflicts, Teodoro also called for greater cooperation to protect migrant workers and seafarers, particularly those from smaller countries caught in conflict zones.

He said the international order had a special obligation to protect migrant workers and seafarers, recognising their contribution to the global economy and the countries in which they work.“Together, let us create a safer and more prosperous future for our region and the world,” Teodoro said.