Context:

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

Key Address by the Defence Minister at ADMM Plus

• 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.

What is ADMM Plus?

• 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.

• 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.

News Source: The Indian Express