Rajnath Singh offers ASEAN co-development of patrol vessels, radars and air defence at the first ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum
14 October 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the maiden ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) in New Delhi on 14 October 2026.
He said India seeks an Indo-Pacific where all countries, large and small, make their own choices, protect their interests and pursue development in peace.
He listed patrol vessels, radars, air-defence systems, helicopters, drones and other technologies as areas for cooperation, along with co-development, co-production, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and training.
He said 2026 has been designated as the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation and called for sharing maritime information and closer cooperation among navies and coast guards.
He placed the Act East policy, SAGAR and MAHASAGAR at the centre of India's approach to the region.
In plain words
SAGAR Security and Growth for All in the Region — India's earlier vision for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.
MAHASAGAR Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions — India's wider maritime vision that builds on SAGAR.
MRO Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul — Servicing work that keeps defence equipment in use over its life.