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.
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).
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News Source: The Indian Express
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November 17, 2023