Widening spectrum of security! On the sidelines of ASEAN meeting, Rajnath Singh reiterates India’s vision on Indo-Pacific

Bangkok, November 18: In a big step towards widening India’s security network, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday held bilateral discussions with his counterparts in the US, Thailand, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. He is in Thailand’s capital Bangkok to attend the 6th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). 

 

In the deliberations, Rajnath Singh reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral defence relations with the respective leaders and discussed ways to further improving the ties.

It was Raksha Mantri’s first meeting with US Secretary of Defence Dr. Mark T Esper. Both the leaders expressed satisfaction over the increasing defence engagements between the two countries and looked forward to meeting again for the ‘two plus two’ meeting in Washington DC later next month. The Minister also discussed the regional security situation and shared India's vision and perspective on the Indo-Pacific.

 

In his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand General Prawit Wongsuwan, Rajnath Singh discussed wide-range of issues pertaining to bilateral relations between India and Thailand. He complimented the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand for the successful conduct of activities during the year as the chair of ADMM-Plus and ASEAN for 2019. The Minister also apprised General Prawit Wongsuwan about the Act East policy of the Government of India and the centrality of ASEAN in the Indo-Pacific policy.

 

Raksha Mantri’s meeting with the Defence Minister of Japan Taro Konowas was also his first with the leader. Both of them will meet again in New Delhi for the ‘two plus two’ meeting scheduled later this month. Both the leaders had a detailed discussion on adding further momentum to India-Japan defence cooperation. They expressed satisfaction over the defence engagements and exercises between the Armed Forces.

 

Rajnath Singh also met his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand and discussed ongoing defence cooperation and potential areas for enhanced engagement. The Australia Defence Minister is likely to visit New Delhi early next year during the Raisina dialogue.

 

Rajnath Singh is to take part in the ADMM-Plus meeting today in which Defence Ministers of 18 ADMM-Plus countries have participated.