Rajnath Singh to Lead India’s Delegation at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), Philippines

Why Is It in News?

The Ministry of Defence announced on 26 October 2026 that Rajnath Singh will lead the Indian delegation at the 13th ADMM-Plus, scheduled to take place in Cebu, Philippines, on 28–29 October 2026.

About

The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) is a multilateral platform that brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners to strengthen defence and security cooperation.

The platform supports dialogue, practical cooperation and confidence-building on regional security challenges. Its work includes cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

India's participation in ADMM-Plus is an important component of its engagement with Southeast Asia under the Act East policy.

Key Points

1. Meeting: 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
2. Indian delegation leader: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
3. Host country: Philippines.
4. Venue: Cebu, Philippines.
5. Dates: 28–29 October 2026.
6. Planned address: Exchange of Views on Regional and International Security Issues.
7. Participants: ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners—India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.
8. ASEAN membership: The participating ASEAN framework includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.
9. India–ASEAN relationship: India became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1992.
10. First ADMM-Plus: Convened in Hanoi, Vietnam, on 12 October 2010.
11. Annual meetings: ADMM-Plus Defence Ministers have met annually since 2017.
12. 2026 chair: The Philippines.
13. India's role: India is co-chairing the Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism with Malaysia for the 2024–2027 cycle.
14. Expected bilateral engagement: Rajnath Singh is expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from participating countries.
15. Importance: The meeting supports India's Act East policy, regional stability and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.