India Strengthens Indo-Pacific Defence Partnerships with US, Japan and Singapore at ADMM-Plus

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with his counterparts from the United States, Japan and Singapore on 28 October 2026, reinforcing India’s defence partnerships and strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, focused on military cooperation, maritime security, defence technology, industrial collaboration and regional stability.

The meetings highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen operational coordination with key defence partners while expanding opportunities for indigenous defence manufacturing, technology sharing and joint military exercises. They also reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and a free, open, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

India-US: Defence Technology, Industrial Cooperation and Counterterrorism

During his meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Rajnath Singh reviewed progress under the 10-year India-US Defence Framework and the broader Major Defence Partnership.

The discussions centred on improving military operational readiness, expanding technology sharing, strengthening defence supply chains and advancing opportunities for joint production of military equipment. Both sides also examined ways to enhance military-to-military exchanges and maritime security cooperation.

Counterterrorism emerged as a major focus of the meeting. Rajnath Singh called for zero tolerance towards countries supporting, financing or training terrorist organisations. Hegseth reaffirmed American support for India’s efforts to combat cross-border terrorism, with both countries reiterating their commitment to addressing international terrorist threats.

The two leaders also emphasised the strategic importance of India-US defence cooperation in maintaining regional stability and maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.

India-Japan: Naval Shipbuilding, Mine Countermeasures and Air Force Cooperation

In discussions with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Rajnath Singh reviewed progress in bilateral defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security, naval technology and military aviation.

A significant area of discussion involved strengthening mine countermeasure capabilities and exploring the possibility of jointly developing naval vessels and ship designs. Such cooperation could combine Japan’s advanced maritime technologies with India’s growing shipbuilding and defence manufacturing capabilities.

The ministers also reviewed expanding cooperation between the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, following the participation of Japanese fighter aircraft in Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 in India.

Defence industrial engagement received particular attention following the India-Japan Defence Industry Forum in Tokyo, which brought together approximately 40 companies from both countries. The meeting also explored preparations for the fourth India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting, commonly known as the 2+2 dialogue, and another bilateral defence ministerial meeting in Tokyo later in 2026.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership in promoting a peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific.

India-Singapore: Expanding Joint Exercises and Defence Industry Cooperation

Rajnath Singh also met Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing to review bilateral military cooperation and explore opportunities for deeper engagement between their armed forces.

The discussions focused on expanding joint exercises involving the Army, Navy and Air Force to improve operational coordination, interoperability and mutual understanding.

Singapore remains an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and maritime engagement with Southeast Asia. The two countries maintain established defence cooperation arrangements, including regular military exercises and naval interactions.

Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality and recognised Singapore’s role in promoting regional security cooperation.

To encourage stronger defence industrial and technological partnerships, he invited the Singaporean Defence Minister to participate in Aero India 2027, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru in February 2027.

The Indian Defence Minister also congratulated Singapore on assuming the ADMM-Plus chairmanship for 2027.

Strengthening India’s Defence Engagement Across the Indo-Pacific

The three bilateral meetings reflected complementary priorities within India’s Indo-Pacific defence diplomacy. Engagement with the United States emphasised strategic technology cooperation, defence industrial integration and counterterrorism, while discussions with Japan focused on maritime capabilities, naval manufacturing and air power cooperation. Talks with Singapore concentrated on military exercises, operational coordination and India’s broader engagement with ASEAN.

Together, these partnerships support India’s efforts to improve military preparedness, strengthen maritime security and expand opportunities for domestic defence industries to participate in international technology and manufacturing collaborations.

The discussions also demonstrated India’s continuing engagement with multiple strategic partners while maintaining its independent approach to regional security cooperation.

Although the meetings did not announce new binding defence agreements or procurement contracts, they identified areas for further collaboration and established priorities for subsequent bilateral engagements.

India’s participation in the 13th ADMM-Plus provided an important platform for advancing these relationships and reinforcing its role in regional defence cooperation, maritime stability and security across the Indo-Pacific.

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