- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for deeper defence cooperation and joint development of military technologies between India and ASEAN nations. - Emphasized the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligning with ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. - Stressed the need for joint capability building, counter-terrorism cooperation, and maritime security in light of emerging regional challenges. - Highlighted India's growing domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and its willingness to partner with friendly ASEAN countries for technology transfer and co-production. - **ASEAN:** A geopolitical and economic union of 11 Southeast Asian nations promoting regional integration, economic growth, and security stability in the Indo-Pacific region. - **Indian Navy:** The maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for safeguarding India's maritime borders, projecting power, and securing trade routes in the Indian Ocean and beyond. - **Ministry of Defence:** The Indian government department charged with policy formulation, resource allocation, and administrative oversight of the Indian Armed Forces and national defence. **Introduction** Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for enhanced defence cooperation, joint military technology development, and stronger maritime security partnerships between India and ASEAN nations, reiterating India's support for ASEAN centrality and a free, open Indo-Pacific. **Core Issue and Detailed Points** - Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for deeper defence cooperation and joint development of military technologies between India and ASEAN nations. - Emphasized the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligning with ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. - Stressed the need for joint capability building, counter-terrorism cooperation, and maritime security in light of emerging regional challenges. - Highlighted India's growing domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and its willingness to partner with friendly ASEAN countries for technology transfer and co-production. **Key Statutory Bodies, Acts & Concepts** - **ASEAN:** A geopolitical and economic union of 11 Southeast Asian nations promoting regional integration, economic growth, and security stability in the Indo-Pacific region. - **Indian Navy:** The maritime branch of the Indian Armed Forces responsible for safeguarding India's maritime borders, projecting power, and securing trade routes in the Indian Ocean and beyond. - **Ministry of Defence:** The Indian government department charged with policy formulation, resource allocation, and administrative oversight of the Indian Armed Forces and national defence.