Rajnath Singh Proposes Joint Defence Production With ASEAN
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for joint military research and co-production of defence technology with ASEAN nations to enhance Indo-Pacific maritime security.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed a shift from equipment purchases to the joint development and co-production of defence technology during the ASEAN-India Defence Think Tank Forum in New Delhi on October 14, 2026. Singh urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to move beyond diplomatic exchanges toward practical cooperation in maritime surveillance, cyber defence, counter-drone systems, and disaster response.
Singh emphasized that self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative does not mean working in isolation, but rather creating opportunities for trusted partners to co-design and maintain equipment. He specifically highlighted the need for affordable and adaptable solutions to counter low-cost drones, which he noted can challenge expensive defence systems. To achieve this, he encouraged the involvement of research institutions and startups through the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative.
The proposal coincides with the 2026 ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation, which Singh suggested should be used to improve interoperability among navies and coast guards. This push for deeper industrial ties occurs amid increasing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and a growing military presence by China in the South China Sea, where several ASEAN members maintain maritime disputes with Beijing.
