Rajnath Singh Heads to Laos for ASEAN Defence Summit Amid Global Uncertainty

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will attend the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus in Laos, from November 20 to 22, addressing regional security cooperation. In recent discussions, Singh emphasized India's diverse security challenges, ranging from traditional border threats to cyberattacks and hybrid warfare, amidst geopolitical and economic flux.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to visit Laos from November 20 to 22 for the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), as announced by defence officials on Thursday. This move underscores India's commitment to enhancing regional security cooperation.

During a recent dialogue at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, Singh highlighted India's multifaceted security challenges, spanning from conventional border disputes to emerging threats like terrorism, cyberattacks, and hybrid warfare. He noted the rapid changes in geopolitical and economic landscapes, pushing for adaptive strategies in modern warfare.

The ADMM-Plus serves as a vital platform for ASEAN member states, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, along with eight dialogue partners such as India, the US, China, and Russia, to collaboratively bolster defence and security efforts. India, an ASEAN dialogue partner since 1992, participates annually to strengthen these ties.

(With inputs from agencies.)