About The ADMM-Plus Meeting

Context:

Recently, the Defence Minister of India has participated in the 10th Association of SouthEast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Points from Indian Address in ADMM-Plus Meeting
2. ADMM-Plus: Strengthening Regional Security and Defence Cooperation

Key Points from Indian Address in ADMM-Plus Meeting

ASEAN’s Central Role:

• India acknowledged ASEAN’s central role in the region and commended its efforts in promoting dialogue and consensus.

Commitment to International Laws:

• India reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of navigation, overflight, and lawful commerce in international waters.
• Emphasized alignment with international laws, including UNCLOS 1982.

Security Initiatives:

• Advocated for consultative and development-oriented security initiatives within ADMM-Plus.
• Aimed for consensus-driven cooperation to enhance Maritime Security in the region.

Dialogue for Global Stability:

• Stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace and global stability.
• Urged moving away from an “us versus them” mindset, highlighting the contemporary era’s avoidance of war.

Appreciation for Joint Initiatives:

• Appreciated ASEAN Member States’ active participation in joint initiatives, including peacekeeping operations and maritime exercises.

Counter-Terrorism Co-Chair Proposal:

• India proposed to co-chair the Expert Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, addressing the serious threat of terrorism in the ASEAN region.

Current Co-Chair Responsibilities:

• Highlighted India’s ongoing co-chairing of the Expert Working Group on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) with Indonesia in the 2021-2024 cycle.

ADMM-Plus: Strengthening Regional Security and Defence Cooperation

Overview:

• The ADMM-Plus serves as a collaborative platform between ASEAN and its eight Dialogue Partners.
• Dialogue Partners include Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States.

Significance of ADMM:

• The ADMM (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting) stands as the paramount defence consultative and cooperative mechanism within ASEAN.

Establishment:

• Inaugural ADMM-Plus convened in Ha Noi, Viet Nam, in 2010.
• Since 2017, annual meetings aim to enhance dialogue and cooperation amid rising regional security challenges.

Objectives:

• Build capacity among ASEAN Member States to collectively address shared security challenges.
• Foster mutual trust and transparency among defence establishments through increased dialogue.
• Enhance regional peace and stability by addressing transnational security challenges.
• Facilitate the implementation of the Vientiane Action Programme for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous ASEAN.

Annual Meetings:

• The ADMM-Plus meets annually to promote dialogue and cooperation, considering the evolving regional security landscape.

Cooperation Focus:

• Emphasis on varying capacities among ASEAN Member States.
• Collaboration to address transnational security challenges in the region.

Implementation of Vientiane Action Programme:

• Focus on realizing the Vientiane Action Programme’s goals, advocating for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous ASEAN.
• Adoption of outward-looking external relation strategies with Dialogue Partners.