India and ASEAN to Form Defence Think Tank Forum

Strengthening Strategic Cooperation

India and ASEAN to Form Defence Think Tank Forum: India has proposed a new India-ASEAN Defence Think Tank Forum to enhance strategic cooperation and address emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The initiative was announced by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025.

The proposed forum aims to establish a structured platform for experts, researchers, and policymakers from both India and ASEAN countries to collaborate on defence and security issues. It will facilitate knowledge exchange, capacity-building, and innovative policy ideas to strengthen regional peace and stability.

Static GK fact: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was founded in 1967 and currently consists of 10 member countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Institutionalising Defence Dialogue

Rajnath Singh stressed the need for an institutional framework to deepen defence ties between India and ASEAN nations. He invited ASEAN partners to nominate prominent defence institutions and strategic thinkers to participate in this proposed think tank.

The initiative aligns with India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to expand engagement with Southeast Asian countries through security cooperation, connectivity, and trade integration.

Static GK Tip: India became a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN in 1992 and was elevated to a strategic partnership in 2012.

Focus on Maritime Security and Rule of Law

Highlighting the Indo-Pacific’s strategic importance, Singh reaffirmed ASEAN’s central role in maintaining peace and order in the region. He urged the early completion of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement review to boost economic and security cooperation.

Singh also emphasized maritime security, acknowledging ASEAN nations for supporting the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME). The next edition of this exercise will be held in 2026. He noted that over 50% of India’s trade passes through the South China Sea and the Malacca Strait, making maritime safety a key national interest.

India reiterated its support for a rules-based maritime order guided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Static GK fact: The UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 and defines nations’ rights and responsibilities regarding ocean use.

Women in Peacekeeping and Future Naval Engagements

Rajnath Singh also announced the second edition of the ASEAN-India Initiative for Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations, which will include training programs for women military officers and a table-top exercise on civilian protection.

Additionally, ASEAN nations have been invited to participate in the International Fleet Review 2026, to be hosted by India. This event aims to showcase India’s growing naval capabilities and strengthen maritime partnerships.

On the sidelines of the Kuala Lumpur meeting, Singh signed a 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, marking a milestone in India-US defence collaboration.

Static GK Tip: India first hosted the International Fleet Review in 2001 at Mumbai, with participation from 29 countries.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

India and ASEAN to Form Defence Think Tank Forum: