New Delhi, 16th November 2023
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held significant bilateral discussions with the Defense Ministers of Indonesia and Vietnam on the sidelines of the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 16, 2023.
During his meeting with Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Mr. Prabowo Subianto, Shri Rajnath Singh commended Indonesia’s effective stewardship of ASEAN this year and praised the seamless organization of the ADMM-Plus. Discussions between the two ministers involved an assessment of the bilateral defense relationship, affirming the commitment to fortify cooperation, especially in the maritime domain. They reviewed ongoing exchanges encompassing training, staff talks, and exercises while exploring avenues for fostering collaboration in the defense industry. Additionally, both countries have jointly chaired the Expert Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) for the 2021-2024 cycle.
In another meeting, Shri Rajnath Singh held talks with Vietnam’s Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang. The ministers evaluated the progress in implementing the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030,’ inked during Shri Rajnath Singh’s visit to Vietnam in June 2022. They pledged concerted efforts to deepen multifaceted bilateral defense ties, encompassing training, capacity building, defense industry cooperation, UN Peacekeeping, bilateral ship visits, and joint exercises.
Further engagements included a meeting with ASEAN Secretary-General, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, where Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s steadfast support for ASEAN Centrality. He praised the enthusiastic participation of ASEAN Member States in India-ASEAN activities, such as the inaugural ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, the 1st ASEAN-India Informal Defence Ministers’ Meeting, India’s Initiatives for Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations, and Marine Plastic Pollution Response. Discussions also focused on enhancing ASEAN-India cooperation and advancing the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both parties exchanging views on bolstering collaboration for mutual benefit.
Earlier in the day, Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 10th ADMM-Plus, extending congratulations to the Indonesian Defence Minister for the successful chairmanship. He welcomed Laos as the new chair of ADMM-Plus, conveying best wishes for their upcoming events in 2024.
