India offered closer maritime information sharing and long-term defence cooperation at the first ASEAN–India Defence Think Tank Forum in New Delhi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed joint development, production, maintenance and training tailored to partners’ needs. The two-day forum brings together participants from all eleven ASEAN members; his speech announced proposals rather than a specific arms contract.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for closer maritime and defence technology cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, known as ASEAN. He addressed the first ASEAN–India Defence Think Tank Forum in New Delhi on 14 October, urging practical joint initiatives. The gathering runs for two days and includes participants from all eleven ASEAN members.[1], [2]
Singh described the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian waters as a connected maritime space carrying trade, energy and essential goods. He proposed better sharing of maritime information, closer cooperation between navies and coastguards, and improved underwater awareness. He linked practical action to the designation of this year as the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation.[1]
His proposals included joint development and production, maintenance, repair and training tailored to each partner’s priorities. Patrol vessels, radars, air defence, helicopters and drones were among the areas he named. Universities, research institutes and smaller companies were invited to contribute to innovation. Singh had announced the forum initiative in Kuala Lumpur on 31 October 2025; the New Delhi speech contained no specific arms-sale contract.[1]
