Quad nations focus on Indo-Pacific security during ASEAN meet

Defence minister Rajnath Singh held separate talks with his counterparts from the US, Japan and Australia on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit in the Philippines to discuss Indo-Pacific security. The Quad partners highlighted their commitment to peace, stability and international law across the maritime region.

Bilateral Talks

Singh met US secretary of war Pete Hegseth during the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus held in Cebu from October 28 to 29. Singh stated that their partnership remains a cornerstone for a secure Indo-Pacific. The US war department's 2026 National Defense Strategy aims to deter China in the region through strength. India and the US previously signed a 10-year framework to boost defence ties. Singh also met Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi to review regional security challenges and discuss boosting defence cooperation. Additionally, Singh reviewed security with Australian deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles, discussing bilateral cooperation, military interoperability and regional challenges.

Broader Context

India has consistently called for an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific order based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. The Quad nations are Comprehensive Strategic Partners of ASEAN and support the bloc's outlook. China has longstanding territorial disputes in the South China Sea with ASEAN members such as Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. The ADMM-Plus brings together 11 ASEAN states and eight dialogue partners including India, the US, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Singh is scheduled to speak at the summit on Thursday.

Context

The Quad alliance brings together India, the United States, Japan and Australia to cooperate on maritime security and economic issues in the Indo-Pacific region. These diplomatic meetings regularly take place alongside larger multilateral forums like ASEAN summits to coordinate defense policies and regional stability efforts.