India's defence minister arrives in Philippines for ASEAN defence dialogue

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh arrived in Cebu, Philippines, on Tuesday to attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. He was greeted at the airport by M Gen Fabian M Pedregosa PAF (Retd), the Undersecretary of the Department of National Defence of the Philippines. Members of the Indian community and Filipino nationals later welcomed Singh at his hotel.

Singh will represent India at the ADMM-Plus meeting on Thursday. Before departing, he reiterated India's commitment to ASEAN centrality and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

ASEAN defence forum expands security dialogue

Defence ministers from ASEAN and its dialogue partners gathered in Cebu for the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus. The forum exchanged views on regional and international security issues. The meeting occurs under the Philippines' ASEAN chairmanship for 2026, which carries the theme 'Together Shaping the Future'.

ASEAN defence ministers are expected to issue a joint statement. It will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation in Southeast Asia and the 20th anniversary of the ADMM's establishment. The ministers are also expected to hold separate meetings with defence leaders from the United States, India, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, participated in the proceedings.

Philippines emphasizes maritime security and regional cooperation

Philippine Defense Minister Gilberto Teodoro Jr. set the tone for discussions on October 28. He called for the peaceful resolution of regional disputes, including those in the South China Sea, through international law. Teodoro emphasized the need for increased cooperation on maritime security and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.

The Philippine official also proposed that ASEAN expand cooperation on food and energy security. This is in response to external conflicts that are disrupting global supply chains. The Philippines separately warned that the super El Niño phenomenon could impact food, water, and electricity supplies, affecting regional connectivity.

On other regional matters, Teodoro welcomed efforts to maintain the ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand and to seek a lasting peaceful solution. The Philippines reaffirmed its continued participation in the ASEAN-led process for these tensions, respecting all parties' sensitivities.

India reaffirms Indo-Pacific commitment

India's participation at the ADMM-Plus is a key element of its strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's arrival shows this focus. His scheduled meetings with counterparts from partner nations are part of broader diplomatic outreach.

The Indian delegation includes Harsh Kumar Jain, the Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, and Captain ChandraKant Kothari, the Defence Attache. The United States delegation is led by its War Secretary, Pete Hegseth. Singh will represent India at the main ADMM-Plus meeting on Thursday.