The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus is an annual meeting of the Defence Ministers of ten ASEAN member countries and eight dialogue partner countries, namely India, the United States, Russia, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for immediate and resolute global efforts to combat transnational and cross-border terrorism, which he described as the gravest threat to regional and global security at the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Plus in Siem Reap, Cambodia on Wednesday. 

He said that the global security environment has fundamentally changed over the last few decades, with terrorist groups establishing intercontinental networks supported by cutting-edge technology to spread ideologies, transfer money and recruit supporters.

The defence minister also drew the forum's attention to other security concerns that have emerged in the aftermath of the global Covid-19 pandemic, such as energy and food security challenges.

He said that, as a responsible member of the international community, India has collaborated with its partners to provide large-scale humanitarian aid, medicines, vaccines and food grains.

Singh reaffirmed India's commitment to fostering practical, forward-thinking and result-oriented cooperation between India and ADMM Plus countries to improve regional maritime security and global commons safety.

He said that India supports a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region and advocates for the peaceful resolution of disputes while respecting all nations’ sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In this regard, he said that the ongoing ASEAN-China negotiations on the South China Sea Code of Conduct should be fully consistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and should not jeopardise the legitimate rights and interests of nations that are not parties to these discussions.

Minister urged all member countries to collaborate with a positive intent to create a more stable, safer and secure world for future generations.

The ADMM Plus is an annual meeting of the Defence Ministers of ten ASEAN member countries and eight dialogue partner countries, namely India, the United States, Russia, China, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. In addition, the year 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of India-ASEAN relations.