Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has on Thursday stressed the role of dialogue and diplomacy for enduring peace and global stability. Singh, in his address at the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting – Plus (ADMM Plus) in Jakarta, Indonesia, reaffirmed India’s message to the world at large, that “this is not an era of war”, and spoke about the imperative to give up the “us versus them” mindset.

Highlighting the adverse applications of conflicts on human lives, livelihoods, global stability, food security, energy security, etc, India’s Defence Minister reiterated India’s commitment to work with ASEAN and Plus countries to ensure peace, prosperity and security, which is an apt theme for ADMM Plus 2023. He cited Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote on peace, “there is no way to peace, peace is the only way”.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

According to the Ministry of Defence, Rajnath Singh also reiterated India’s commitment to freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce in the international waters in accordance with international laws, including United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

The Union Minster called for regional security initiatives that are consultative and development-oriented to reflect the larger consensus among various stakeholders and committed towards nurturing practical, forward-looking and result-oriented cooperation with ADMM Plus for enhancing maritime security in the region.

India proposed to co-chair the Expert Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism and the proposal was endorsed by ADMM Plus as terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and security, including in the ASEAN region.