NEW DELHI: The 14th meeting of the ASEAN Defence Ministersโ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG on CT) concluded in New Delhi on March 20, 2025, marking a significant step in regional cooperation against terrorism and extremism.
The two-day event, held from March 19โ20, brought together delegations from the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN countries including Lao PDR, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, along with ADMM-Plus dialogue partners โ China, the United States, Russia, Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
India and Malaysia Assume Co-Chairmanship
India and Malaysia officially assumed co-chairmanship for the 2024โ2027 cycle, taking over from Myanmar and Russia, who led the group during the 2021โ2024 term. As co-chairs, India and Malaysia laid out an ambitious work plan for the new cycle, including a Table-Top Exercise to be held in Malaysia in 2026 and a Field Training Exercise in India in 2027.
This marked the first EWG on CT meeting hosted by India under its new co-chairmanship, signifying the beginning of a new chapter in collaborative counter-terrorism efforts.
The meeting served as a vital platform for discussions on developing a robust and comprehensive regional strategy to address the growing threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism. Delegates shared operational experiences, best practices, and challenges faced by defence forces across ASEAN nations and partner countries.
In his keynote address at the inaugural session, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh emphasized the transnational nature of terrorism and called for unified action to tackle evolving threats. He underscored Indiaโs commitment to regional security and recalled the Delhi Declaration on Counter-Terrorism adopted during Indiaโs chairmanship of the UN Security Councilโs Counter-Terrorism Committee in 2022.
High-Level Participation and Cultural Exchange
The event witnessed the participation of Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence Shri Amitabh Prasad, Additional Director General (IC) of the Indian Army, senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Indian Armyโs Counter-Terrorism division.
The Heads of Delegations and ASEAN Secretariat also contributed their insights on enhancing coordination and adopting innovative strategies to counter terrorism effectively.
As part of a cultural engagement, the delegates were taken on a visit to Agra, highlighting Indiaโs rich heritage and fostering goodwill among participating nations.
The New Delhi meeting laid a strong foundation for upcoming workshops, exercises, and bilateral engagements planned under the 2024โ2027 work cycle. The collaboration between India and Malaysia, as co-chairs, is expected to bring new momentum to regional counter-terrorism cooperation and policy alignment.
This strategic partnership and shared vision for a secure Indo-Pacific region reinforce the growing relevance of the ADMM-Plus framework in safeguarding peace and stability across Asia and beyond.
