21 November, 2024; In a significant diplomatic event, Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh and Chinese Defence Minister Admiral Dong Jun walked together during the 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), held in Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR). The meeting brought together defence heads from various nations to discuss regional and global security concerns.
The ADMM-Plus, established in 2010, serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation among ASEAN nations and their dialogue partners, including major powers like India, China, the United States, and Russia. The presence of Rajnath Singh and Admiral Dong Jun underscored the importance of India and China’s roles in regional stability, particularly in light of recent tensions between the two countries.
Rajnath Singh’s participation highlighted India’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. His discussions at the forum focused on bolstering defence cooperation, addressing non-traditional security threats, and ensuring a rules-based order in the region.
Admiral Dong Jun, representing China, emphasized the need for mutual understanding and collaboration among nations, despite existing disputes. His interaction with Rajnath Singh holds significance in the backdrop of ongoing efforts to de-escalate border tensions between India and China.
The event also witnessed active participation from defence heads of other major countries, including the United States, Japan, and Australia. Discussions encompassed a range of critical topics, including maritime security, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters.
India’s proactive engagement at the ADMM-Plus reaffirms its stance as a responsible global player and its willingness to address common security challenges in collaboration with other nations. The cordial exchange between Rajnath Singh and Admiral Dong Jun signals a step forward in fostering dialogue between the two Asian giants, though substantial efforts will still be required to resolve longstanding disputes.
The ADMM-Plus continues to be a key platform for multilateral defence cooperation, fostering trust and transparency among nations amidst a dynamic geopolitical landscape.
