Cebu Defence Meetings Strengthen Indo-Pacific Security Ties
New Delhi, October 29: A series of defence meetings in Cebu, Philippines, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus, has underlined the deepening defence engagement between India and its key partners in the Indo-Pacific. The gatherings brought together senior defence leaders to review cooperation and discuss shared security concerns.
A trilateral meeting between the defence ministers of India, Japan and Australia drew particular attention. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh referred to the grouping as 'JAI', using the initials of Japan, Australia and India. The meeting focused on regional security, maritime cooperation and enhancing defence sector partnerships.
The ASEAN-linked defence meeting in Cebu has been reviewing major regional and international security matters. Thursday is the concluding day of the sessions.
India's engagement with Australia took centre stage in Singh's talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles. The leaders reviewed the expanding defence cooperation between the two nations, explored ways to bring their armed forces into closer alignment and discussed how to respond jointly to regional security challenges.
Australia and India remain committed to sustaining peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific, and the Cebu meeting was viewed as a significant step in strengthening their defence partnership.
Japan was another major focus. Singh's meeting with Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi covered maritime security and cooperation in the shipbuilding sector. Both sides welcomed the progress in bilateral defence cooperation made since their August meeting and agreed to find new routes to enhance the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.
Maritime security cooperation was given special attention, including efforts to improve the ability to detect and neutralise mines laid in the sea.
The two countries also considered joint development possibilities in the design and construction of naval vessels. By combining Japan's technological expertise with India's production capacity, such cooperation could redefine defence technology partnership and bolster naval strength.
The Philippines featured in discussions on maritime security and joint defence production. Singh met Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines, on the sidelines of the ASEAN-linked meetings. Calling the discussion constructive, he said both countries reviewed their ongoing defence cooperation and examined ways to strengthen their strategic partnership.
India reaffirmed its commitment to keeping the Indo-Pacific free, open and inclusive. Maritime security remains central to India's defence relations with the Philippines, and the focus on defence production and security cooperation is seen as vital to the partnership's future.