10th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting – Plus (ADMM Plus)

GS Paper II International Relations

Context:

Recently, the Defence Minister attended the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting – Plus (ADMM Plus) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Commitment to International Laws:
- The Defence Minister said that India is committed to freedom of navigation, overflight, and lawful commerce.
- Adherence to international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
Terrorism as a Global Threat:
- Recognizing terrorism as a grave threat to international peace and security, the Defense Minister called for concerted efforts to address this global menace.
Regional Security and Cooperation
- ASEAN’s Centrality: Acknowledging ASEAN’s centrality, he advocated for regional security initiatives that are consultative and development-oriented.
- India expressed its commitment to fostering practical, forward-looking, and result-oriented cooperation with ADMM Plus, particularly aimed at enhancing regional maritime security.

It is a platform for ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and its eight Dialogue Partners to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region.

ADMM Plus

Composition: 10 ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners, including India, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.
India become the Dialogue partner since 1992.
Objectives of the ADMM Plus:
- To promote mutual trust and confidence between defence establishments through greater dialogue and transparency;
- To enhance regional peace and stability through cooperation in defence and security, in view of the transnational security challenges the region faces.

About ASEAN:

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an intergovernmental organisation aimed at promoting economic growth and regional stability among its members.
It was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration).
Membership: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam (10).