India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy Bolstered by Major Defense Partnerships with the US, Australia, and ASEAN Nations

India Bolsters regional Security Ties Through ASEAN Defence Diplomacy

Kuala Lumpur – The 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM-Plus, recently concluded in Kuala Lumpur, highlighted a sustained focus on Southeast Asia’s role in the Indo-pacific security landscape. Discussions centred on reinforcing regional security principles and forging stronger collaborative efforts between member nations.

Key Outcomes of the ADMM-Plus Meetings

The meetings addressed critical regional challenges, including maintaining maritime stability, enhancing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities, tackling counter-terrorism, and establishing cooperative mechanisms to prevent miscalculations at sea. Participants underscored the importance of inclusive, rules-based approaches to uphold ASEAN centrality.

Defence leaders and officials from the ASEAN member states, alongside “Plus” partner countries – including India, the United States, China, Japan, Australia, Russia, South Korea, and new Zealand – exchanged assessments on escalating regional tensions. They also explored practical avenues for bolstering crisis dialogue, conducting joint exercises, and enhancing capacity-building initiatives.

India’s Expanding Role in the Indo-Pacific

India actively used the ADMM-Plus platform to emphasize two core themes. Frist, it reiterated that its defence cooperation with ASEAN and its dialogue partners is a tangible manifestation of its Act-East policy. Second, India underscored that its vision for the Indo-Pacific region is founded on principles of openness, adherence to international law, and respect for national sovereignty.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh articulated that the ADMM-Plus platform is central to India’s Act-East outreach. He advocated for stronger collaboration in capacity building, maritime security, and HADR, while also affirming that India’s actions are not targeted against any specific nation but are aimed at promoting a rules-based regional order.

India is currently co-chairing the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism, alongside Malaysia, for the period 2024-2027. A foundational meeting was held in New Delhi in March 2025, focusing on the development of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and extremism.

Area of Cooperation	Current/Upcoming Initiatives
Counter-Terrorism	Co-chairing EWG with Malaysia (2024-2027), Table-Top Exercise (Malaysia, 2026), Field Training Exercise (India, 2027)
Maritime Security	ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (2026), Participation in International Fleet Review and MILAN exercises
HADR	Continued collaboration and capacity building

A Decade of Partnership: India-U.S. Defence Framework

A significant outcome of the ADMM-Plus meetings was the launch of a long-term India-U.S. defence partnership. Defence Minister Singh and U.S.Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed a ten-year defence framework, designed to chart the course for India-U.S. military cooperation in its entirety.

Officials from both countries described the agreement as initiating a “new decade of partnership”. The framework encompasses interoperability, joint training exercises, logistical support, collaborative research and technology development, and streamlining defence procurement processes.

This pact represents a concrete step towards deepening strategic convergence between Washington and New Delhi. It signals that defence cooperation can serve as a stabilising force within the broader bilateral relationship, even amid ongoing negotiations on other bilateral issues.

Expanding Bilateral Engagements

Beyond the United States, Minister Singh engaged in extensive bilateral discussions with defence counterparts from New Zealand, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia. These conversations centred on practical cooperation, including reciprocal visits, expanded training exchanges, and collaborative efforts in maritime security and capacity building.

Prior to the Kuala Lumpur meetings, Minister Singh visited Australia to commemorate five years of the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). During this visit, three key agreements were signed to bolster cooperation in information sharing, submarine search and rescue, and the establishment of Joint Staff Talks. He also co-chaired the inaugural India-Australia defence Industry Business Roundtable.

Did You Know? India co-chaired three previous Expert Working groups within the ADMM-Plus framework: on Humanitarian Mine Action (2014-2017), Military Medicine (2017-2020), and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (2020-2024).

The ADMM-Plus meetings underscore a broader trend in the Indo-Pacific region-a shift towards overlapping partnerships and functional cooperation, rather than reliance on single-axis alliances.

India’s strategy,as evidenced by Minister Singh’s engagements in kuala Lumpur,focuses on strengthening defence engagement with a diverse range of partners. This approach allows Delhi to preserve its strategic autonomy while simultaneously contributing to regional stability through tangible projects focused on capacity building,exercises,maritime surveillance,and defence industrial collaboration.

Looking Ahead: Implications for Regional Security

The outcomes of the ADMM-Plus meetings signal a continued emphasis on defence diplomacy as a key instrument of foreign policy for India. As the security landscape in the Indo-Pacific becomes increasingly complex, sustained, multifaceted, and institutionally grounded cooperation will be crucial for maintaining regional peace and stability.

the rise of non-customary security threats, such as climate change and pandemics, further necessitates enhanced collaboration on HADR and other areas of mutual concern. India’s commitment to practical cooperation and its willingness to engage with a wide range of partners will be vital in addressing these challenges.

Pro Tip: Monitoring the implementation of the India-U.S.defence framework and the progress of the ASEAN-India maritime exercise will provide valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of regional security cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the primary focus of the ADMM-plus meetings? The ADMM-Plus meetings focus on strengthening regional security cooperation, addressing common challenges such as maritime stability and counter-terrorism, and fostering practical collaboration between ASEAN member states and thier “Plus” partner countries.
• what is India’s Act-East policy? india’s Act-East policy is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening economic and cultural ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region,with a particular focus on Southeast Asia.
• What are the key components of the new India-U.S. defence framework? The framework encompasses interoperability, joint training, logistics support, research and technology collaboration, and streamlining defence procurement processes.
• how does India view its role in the Indo-Pacific region? India views its role as a contributor to regional stability, based on principles of openness, the rule of law, and respect for sovereignty.
• What are the next steps for India’s engagement with ASEAN in maritime security? The next steps include holding a maritime exercise in 2026, designated as the “ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation”, and inviting ASEAN navies to participate in international fleet reviews and exercises.
• What is the meaning of the co-chairing of the ADMM-Plus EWG on Counter-Terrorism? this role positions india as a key player in regional counter-terrorism efforts and allows it to contribute to the development of a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism and extremism.
• What is the overarching goal of India’s defence diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific? India’s goal is to deepen defence engagement across a range of partners,preserving strategic autonomy while contributing to regional stability through concrete projects and collaborative initiatives.

What are your thoughts on the growing security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region? Do you believe this is a positive trend for regional stability?

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How might ChinaS actions in the Indo-Pacific influence the deepening defense partnerships between India, the US, Australia, and ASEAN nations?

The Evolving Indo-pacific Landscape & India’s Role

The Indo-Pacific region, stretching from the western shores of India to the eastern coast of Australia, has become the focal point of 21st-century geopolitics. India, with its growing economic and military strength, is increasingly central to maintaining stability and security within this crucial area. This is largely achieved through a network of strengthening defense partnerships, notably with the United States, Australia, and the nations of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). Understanding these alliances is key to grasping India’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy.

Deepening Ties with the United States: A Cornerstone of the Strategy

The India-US defense relationship has undergone a meaningful transformation in recent decades. Once characterized by a degree of Cold War-era distance, it’s now a comprehensive strategic partnership. Key elements include:

* Major Defense partnership: Established in 2016, this initiative facilitates defense co-production and technology transfer, streamlining bureaucratic processes and fostering closer military collaboration.

* Joint Military Exercises: regular exercises like Malabar (involving Japan as well) demonstrate interoperability and signal a shared commitment to regional security. These exercises cover a wide spectrum of operations, from maritime security to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

* defense Procurement: India is increasingly sourcing advanced defense equipment from the US, including aircraft, naval systems, and missile defense technologies. This reduces reliance on traditional suppliers and enhances India’s military capabilities.

* Information Sharing: Enhanced intelligence sharing between the two nations is crucial for addressing common security threats, including maritime domain awareness and counter-terrorism.

this partnership isn’t solely military; it extends to cybersecurity cooperation and joint efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The Quad: A Strategic Dialog for Regional Stability

the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan, is a pivotal component of India’s Indo-pacific strategy.While not a formal alliance, the Quad provides a platform for:

1. policy Coordination: Discussing and coordinating policies on regional security challenges, including China’s growing influence.
2. Joint Initiatives: Launching collaborative projects in areas like infrastructure development, technology, and maritime security.
3. Diplomatic Engagement: Presenting a united front on key issues and promoting a rules-based international order.
4. Supply Chain Resilience: Working together to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on single sources, particularly in critical sectors.

The Quad’s focus on maritime security and freedom of navigation directly addresses concerns about China’s assertive behaviour in the South China sea and Indian ocean.

Australia: A Natural Partner in Maritime Security

Australia shares India’s concerns about maintaining a stable and secure Indo-Pacific. The bilateral defense relationship is built on:

* reciprocal Access Agreement: Signed in 2024, this agreement allows for greater military interoperability and facilitates joint training exercises.

* Naval cooperation: Joint patrols and exercises enhance maritime domain awareness and demonstrate a commitment to protecting sea lanes of communication.

* Defense Technology Collaboration: Collaboration on defense research and development, focusing on areas like underwater technologies and artificial intelligence.

* Shared Values: Both nations are democracies committed to upholding international law and promoting a rules-based order.

Australia’s geographic location and strong naval capabilities make it a vital partner for India in safeguarding the Indian Ocean region.The focus on Indo-Australian defense cooperation is a key element of the broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

Strengthening Engagement with ASEAN Nations

India’s “Act East” policy prioritizes strengthening ties with ASEAN member states. This engagement is multifaceted:

* Economic Partnerships: Expanding trade and investment links with ASEAN nations, fostering economic interdependence and regional prosperity.

* Defense Diplomacy: Conducting joint military exercises and providing capacity-building assistance to ASEAN militaries.

* Maritime Security Cooperation: collaborating on maritime surveillance, anti-piracy efforts, and disaster relief operations.

* Regional Forums: Actively participating in regional forums like the ASEAN Regional forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS) to promote dialogue and cooperation.

Specific examples include increased naval cooperation with vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, focusing on maritime security challenges and counter-terrorism efforts. India recognizes that a stable and prosperous ASEAN is crucial for the overall security of the Indo-Pacific.

Addressing Key Challenges & Future Outlook

Despite these strengthening partnerships, India faces several challenges in implementing its Indo-Pacific strategy:

* Balancing Relations with China: Maintaining a constructive relationship with China while simultaneously strengthening ties with other regional powers requires careful diplomacy.

* Modernizing the Military: Continuing to invest in military modernization to enhance capabilities and address emerging threats.

* Strengthening Maritime Infrastructure: Developing port infrastructure and enhancing maritime surveillance capabilities to protect sea lanes of communication.

* Maintaining Regional Consensus: Building consensus among regional stakeholders on key issues, such as freedom of navigation and maritime security.

Looking ahead, India’s Indo-Pacific strategy will likely focus on deepening existing partnerships, expanding