India & ASEAN members brainstorm strategies to tackle the evolving threat of terrorism and extremism
| 2025-03-21
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) was held in New Delhi on March 19-20, 2025.
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) serves as a platform for practical cooperation amongst the participating countries’ defence establishments
The 14th meeting of ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) held in New Delhi during the week saw extensive discussions on a comprehensive strategy to tackle the evolving threat of terrorism and extremism.
The EWG meeting held on March 19-20, 2025, was aimed to share the on-ground experience of the Defence Forces of ASEAN countries and its dialogue partners. The meeting laid a foundation for the activities/exercises/meetings/ workshops planned for the current cycle, the Ministry of Defence said on Friday (March 21, 2025).
Co-chairs India and Malaysia unveiled the work plan for the activities planned for the cycle 2024-2027. This includes the conduct of Table-Top Exercise for EWG on CT in Malaysia in 2026 and Field Training Exercise in India in 2027.
Earlier, Myanmar and Russia, co-chairs for EWG on CT during the previous cycle for 2021-2024, handed over the co-chairmanship to India and Malaysia for the present cycle (2024-2027). India is hosting the maiden EWG meeting for the current cycle.
In his keynote address, India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh stated that terrorism remains a dynamic and evolving challenge with threats increasingly transcending borders.
He termed India’s relationship with ASEAN as a key pillar of its foreign policy, which is at the heart of Act East Policy. The Defence Secretary reiterated India’s strong support to a stable and unified ASEAN which serves as an institutional anchor of an important region.
Delegations from 10 ASEAN members - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Thailand - and eight dialogue partners - Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan, China, USA and Russia in addition to hosts India - along with Timor Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat participated in the meeting.
The ADMM-Plus serves as a platform for practical cooperation amongst the participating countries’ defence establishments. It currently focuses on seven areas of practical cooperation:
- Counter-Terrorism
- Maritime Security
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management Peacekeeping Operations
- Military Medicine
- Humanitarian Mine Action
- Cyber Security
EWGs have been established to facilitate cooperation in these areas. The EWGs are each co-chaired by one ASEAN member state and one dialogue partner following a three-year cycle.
Kerala Initiates Probe into 2006 Suicide Case Involving CEC
The Kerala government has ordered a vigilance investigation following a 2006 suicide incident linked to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
| 2026-10-04
Extradition of Sheikh Hasina Feasible, Says Indian High Commissioner
Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh claims Sheikh Hasina's extradition is possible through a structured process, fostering bilateral cooperation.
| 2026-10-04
Punjabi Makeup Artist Mad Sandhu Shot Dead in Amritsar
Influencer and makeup artist Mad Sandhu was fatally shot in Amritsar. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
| 2026-10-04
India Achieves Fourth Place at Asian Games 2026 Through Late Success
India secured fourth place in the Asian Games 2026 medals tally, boosted by impressive performances in key sports such as boxing and archery.
| 2026-10-04
Pakistan Requests Indian Diplomat's Presence Over Border Incident
Pakistan has summoned an Indian diplomat to protest the alleged killing of two citizens by the Border Security Force.
| 2026-10-04