Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently engaged in strategic dialogues during his visit to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). In his interactions with ASEAN Defence Ministers, Singh emphasized India’s pivotal role in fostering peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, underlining the importance of deepening defence ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with ASEAN. He introduced initiatives such as the ASEAN-India Initiative on Women in UN Peacekeeping Operations and the ASEAN-India Defence Think-Tank Interaction, which aim to enhance collaboration among member states. The Malaysian Defence Minister recognized India as a superpower and highlighted its self-reliant defence industry as beneficial for ASEAN nations. Additionally, Singh held bilateral discussions with the Vietnamese Defence Minister, Phan Van Giang, and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, where they signed a landmark 10-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This framework is expected to strengthen military cooperation and enhance regional security stability. The discussions also revolved around maritime security, counter-terrorism, and economic ties, with Singh advocating for a rules-based maritime order and freedom of navigation, particularly in the South China Sea. His visit not only reinforces India’s commitment to regional security but also showcases its strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, with a focus on multilateral cooperation, technological collaboration, and enhanced interoperability through upcoming naval exercises. Overall, this development underscores India’s growing influence in regional geopolitics and its dedication to fostering a secure and cooperative environment in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with its Act East Policy and broader strategic objectives.