Rajnath Calls for Rules-Based Indo-Pacific
He stressed that differences should be resolved peacefully before escalating into disputes.
NEW DELHI: Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific where countries can make independent decisions without being forced to choose sides amid growing strategic competition.
Addressing the inaugural Asean-India Defence Think Tank Forum at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, Singh stressed the need to respect sovereignty, uphold international law and resolve disputes through dialogue.
“India believes that security is strengthened when countries build capacity together, respect international law and maintain trust through dialogue,” he said.
Singh said India and Asean shared interests in maritime security, regional stability and economic prosperity. He stressed that differences should be resolved peacefully before escalating into disputes.
“India’s approach and Asean’s outlook on the Indo-Pacific can complement each other. We should strengthen cooperation, not create competition between regional forums,” he said.
Highlighting 2026 as the Asean -India Year of Maritime Cooperation, Singh called for greater information-sharing and coordination among navies and coast guards to combat piracy, trafficking and illegal fishing.
“We should improve the sharing of maritime information, strengthen cooperation among our navies and coast guards, and build the ability to respond together to emergencies,” he said.
He also advocated cooperation in artificial intelligence, drones, cybersecurity and space-based defence systems, stressing the need for affordable and adaptable technologies.