India will take a historic step in its fight against global terrorism by co-chairing the 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Expert Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism alongside Malaysia. Scheduled for March 19-20 in New Delhi, this marks India’s first time leading this critical forum, spotlighting its rising stature in international security efforts.
The meeting will unite delegates from 10 ASEAN nations—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—alongside eight dialogue partners: Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Russia, South Korea, the US, and Timor-Leste, plus ASEAN Secretariat members. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will deliver the keynote address, setting the tone for discussions on evolving terrorist threats and extremism.
Focusing on the 2024-2027 cycle, the EWG aims to craft a robust counter-terrorism strategy, drawing on shared experiences from ASEAN and its partners’ defence forces. This session, the first of the cycle, will outline objectives, policies, and activities—seminars, workshops, and exercises—to enhance collaboration. The ADMM-Plus framework, encompassing seven cooperation areas like counter-terrorism and maritime security, fosters practical defence partnerships through biannual meetings and drills.
India’s co-chairmanship, a three-year commitment, involves steering the EWG’s direction, hosting regular sessions, and culminating in a 2027 exercise to assess progress. The role underscores India’s proactive stance against terrorism, a priority amid regional threats like cross-border extremism and cyberattacks. With its advanced military capabilities and strategic position, India’s leadership is poised to strengthen ASEAN-plus cooperation, aligning national security goals with global stability.
This milestone follows India’s vocal advocacy at forums like the UN, reinforcing its commitment to counter-terrorism. As New Delhi hosts this pivotal gathering, it signals a new chapter in shaping a unified, actionable response to one of the world’s pressing challenges.