Background
About ASEAN
ASEAN stands for Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
It was established on August 8, 1967, through the Bangkok Declaration.
Its headquarters is located in Jakarta, Indonesia.
It aims to promote regional peace, economic growth, political stability and socio-cultural cooperation.
ASEAN currently has 11 members, with Timor-Leste becoming its 11th member in 2025.
India-ASEAN Relations
India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1992.
It became a Dialogue Partner in 1996 and a Strategic Partner in 2012.
Relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
ASEAN is an important pillar of India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Cooperation covers trade, connectivity, defence, maritime security, digital technology and cultural exchanges.
About ADMM-Plus
The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus was established in 2010.
It is a platform for ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners to discuss regional defence and security issues.
The eight dialogue partners are India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.
It promotes practical defence cooperation through joint exercises, dialogue and capacity-building initiatives.
Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack.
It targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
It demonstrated India's willingness to respond to cross-border terrorism through targeted military action.
Features
Counterterrorism Cooperation
India offered to share its operational experience and expertise in combating terrorism.
Cooperation would include joint exercises, intelligence sharing and capacity-building programmes.
Focus on addressing cross-border terrorism and emerging security threats.
India-Malaysia Cooperation
India and Malaysia are co-chairing the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism for 2024–2027.
This provides an institutional framework for cooperation in counterterrorism.
Defence Youth Bridge
India proposed a dedicated defence Youth Bridge between India and ASEAN.
It aims to strengthen institutional and people-to-people connectivity.
It will promote digital innovation, capacity building and youth participation in regional peace and security.
Maritime Security Cooperation
India designated 2026 as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.
The second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise was conducted to strengthen operational coordination.
India reiterated its commitment to freedom of navigation, international maritime law and secure sea lanes.
Significance for India
Regional security: Strengthens collective efforts against terrorism and transnational security threats.
Act East Policy: Deepens India's strategic engagement with Southeast Asian countries.
Indo-Pacific vision: Supports a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Strategic partnerships: Enhances India's defence and security partnerships with ASEAN members.
Maritime interests: Protects important sea routes and strengthens cooperation in the Indian Ocean and wider Indo-Pacific region.
Global leadership: Strengthens India's position as a security partner and net security provider in the region.
Challenges
Different security priorities: ASEAN countries have different political systems, threat perceptions and approaches towards terrorism.
Geopolitical competition: Strategic rivalry between major powers, particularly the US and China, affects regional security cooperation.
Cross-border terrorism: Porous borders and weak governance in certain regions facilitate terrorist movement and financing.
Emerging technologies: Terrorist organisations increasingly exploit social media, cryptocurrencies, drones and artificial intelligence.
Cybersecurity threats: Cyberattacks, online radicalisation and digital recruitment create new security challenges.
Intelligence-sharing limitations: Differences in legal frameworks, data protection policies and strategic interests can restrict information exchange.
Way Forward
Institutionalised Counterterrorism Cooperation
Strengthen the ADMM-Plus framework through regular consultations and joint action plans.
Expand joint counterterrorism exercises and specialised training programmes.
Intelligence Sharing
Develop secure mechanisms for real-time intelligence exchange.
Improve cooperation against terrorist financing, recruitment and cross-border networks.
Cybersecurity Cooperation
Strengthen cooperation against cyberterrorism and online radicalisation.
Develop common standards for cybersecurity and digital threat assessment.
Maritime Security
Conduct regular joint naval exercises and information-sharing programmes.
Strengthen maritime domain awareness to counter piracy, trafficking and illegal activities.
Youth and Capacity Building
Operationalise the proposed Defence Youth Bridge.
Promote defence education, digital innovation, research and exchange programmes.
Respect for International Law
Ensure counterterrorism cooperation follows international law and respects national sovereignty.
Strengthen cooperation through the UN framework and relevant international conventions.
Conclusion
India’s intention to share its expertise in counterterrorism with ASEAN shows how India is positioning itself as a regional security provider. In the current interconnected world, problems like terrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security challenges are global issues that cannot be solved by any country alone. The enhancement of ADMM-Plus, intelligence sharing, military training and youth interactions can make the Indo-Pacific region stable and secure. India’s policy must be based on the principles of collective security and international law.
