Ways to enhance defence and security cooperation among the member nations to effectively counter various transnational security challenges facing the regionwere discussed.
Defence ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) signed a joint declaration during the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) reaffirming their common commitments and goals to promote defence cooperation and regional security. The joint declaration embodied the collective sense of the ASEAN defence ministers on the regional security environment.
Addressing the AseanDefence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Indian defense minister called for safeguarding freedom of navigation which is a key concern of East Asian states.
Recent nuclear and missile tests conducted by North Korea were criticized.
On the subject of terrorism,it was decided that the transnational activism of terrorist groups, providing safe havens and funding need to be addressed comprehensively.
Assessment
The ADMM-Plus has become an effective platform for practical cooperation among the participating countries defence establishments.
The ADMM-Plus has also another unique feature of military to military relations where militaries can exercise and cooperate with one another to build confidence and understanding.
However, within Asean, there are two differing opinions regarding China. While Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore regard China as the premier regional security threat, others like Malaysia, Brunei and Philippines believe their interests lie in accommodating China.
What do you understand by ADMM Plus? Examine its significance for India.
New Mission Based Deployement Plan Of Navy
Top naval commanders cleared a new plan for deployment of warships in the Indian Ocean region to effectively counter China's growing presence in the strategically key waters.
