India Calls for Indo-Pacific to Be Coercion-Free
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated on 1 November 2025 that the Indo-Pacific region must remain “open, inclusive and free from any form of coercion.” His remarks came during the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Kuala Lumpur, where he emphasised that India’s strategic engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is not transactional but rooted in long-term, principle-driven cooperation. Highlighting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the freedom of navigation and over-flight, Singh made clear these positions are not aimed at any single country but meant to safeguard the collective interests of all regional stakeholders.
Emphasis on Regional Security Architecture
Singh reiterated that India supports the strengthening of ASEAN-led security frameworks and is committed to contributing constructively through dialogue, partnerships and practical cooperation under the banner of the “Mahāsaṃgar” (Indian Ocean) initiative. He said that inclusivity means all nations—regardless of size or capacity—should help shape the regional order and benefit from it; sustainability means building security architectures that can withstand shocks and adapt to emerging threats.
Strategic Context
The remarks arrive amid heightened global attention on China’s increasing naval and maritime activity in the Indo-Pacific. Analysts view India’s position as reaffirming its role as a security partner and balancing actor in the region while also reinforcing its commitment to rules-based order and multilateral cooperation. The emphasis on no coercion signals Delhi’s concern over maritime freedom and regional stability.
