During the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers informal meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the establishment of a dedicated defence think-tank forum to enhance strategic cooperation and address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized India’s commitment to ASEAN’s role in regional stability, highlighting the significance of maritime security and the need for a rules-based order in the South China Sea. Singh also called for the early completion of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement and advanced women’s roles in peacekeeping. This initiative underscores India’s proactive approach to regional collaboration and reflects a broader strategy to strengthen ties with ASEAN and the U.S., reinforcing a united front in addressing contemporary security dynamics.