New India ASEAN Defence Framework

In October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. During this meeting, he proposed a dedicated India-ASEAN Defence Think Tank Forum to improve strategic cooperation and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

At the same time, the caste census in India has become one of the most discussed topics in national affairs. It aims to collect social data to help the government plan policies for inclusive development.

New Framework for Defence Dialogue

Rajnath Singh said that a new India-ASEAN defence dialogue is needed to bring together defence experts, researchers, and policy planners from India and ASEAN countries.

The goal is to share knowledge and build stronger cooperation in Indo-Pacific security. This will help both sides address regional security challenges.

Just like this international cooperation, the caste census in India also aims to strengthen domestic understanding by collecting accurate social data for better planning and representation.

Focus on Maritime Security and Rule of Law

Maritime security plays a vital role in India-ASEAN defence relations.

Key points:

• Over 50% of India’s trade passes through the South China Sea and Malacca Strait.

• The ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) will have its second edition in 2026.

• It will focus on joint naval drills, sea lane safety, and anti-piracy operations.

• India supports a rules-based maritime order under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

While India secures its trade routes, the caste census in India strengthens internal governance by providing accurate population and community data.

Strengthening Strategic Ties in the Indo-Pacific

• India-ASEAN defence cooperation continues to strengthen strategic ties and economic growth.

• India reaffirmed support for ASEAN’s central role in maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific.

• The partnership includes areas like trade relations, technology sharing, and capacity building.

• Singh also called for an early review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).

Similarly, the caste census in India helps promote inclusive development and equal representation across all communities.

Women in Peacekeeping and Future Engagements

Important updates for exams:

• The India-ASEAN women in peacekeeping programme will have its second edition.

• It includes special training for women officers and tabletop exercises on civilian protection.

• Singh invited ASEAN nations to join the International Fleet Review 2026 in India.

• These steps show India’s commitment to global peace and women’s empowerment.

On the domestic front, the caste census in India plays a similar role by promoting gender and social equality through accurate data collection.

Global Partnerships and Cooperation

India also signed a 10-year framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This aligns with India-ASEAN defence ties and strengthens global security collaboration.

India’s growing influence in defence diplomacy complements its focus on internal reforms like the caste census in India.

Final Thoughts

In October 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh proposed the creation of an India-ASEAN Defence Think Tank Forum during the ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur. The initiative aims to boost India-ASEAN defence cooperation, enhance strategic ties, and strengthen maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.

India also reaffirmed ASEAN’s central role in promoting regional peace and stability. Alongside global defence efforts, the caste census in India has gained national attention, focusing on social inclusion and equitable policy planning.

Together, these developments reflect India’s dual focus on international security cooperation and domestic social balance, shaping a comprehensive and forward-looking policy approach.