India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific during the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting, addressing concerns over China's military actions. This stance is crucial for regional stability and collective security.

At the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh articulated India's commitment to a free and inclusive Indo-Pacific, emphasizing that this approach is not directed against any specific country but aims to protect the collective interests of all regional stakeholders. Singh's remarks come amid rising concerns over China's military assertiveness in the South China Sea. He advocated for collective security as a means to uphold the sovereignty of nations and highlighted the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Singh also noted that India's strategic engagement with ASEAN is long-term and principle-driven, focusing on shared resources and humanitarian responses. He underscored the significance of inclusivity and sustainability in regional security architectures, asserting that all nations should be equal partners in building a stable order. Singh's vision links defence cooperation with economic development and technology sharing, reinforcing India's role in the evolving security landscape of the Indo-Pacific.