India to Host Strategic Conclave on Counter-Terrorism with ASEAN Nations

India will host a two-day conclave with ten ASEAN nations and dialogue partners to develop counter-terrorism strategies. This meeting, co-chaired by India and Malaysia, will focus on sharing defense experiences and setting frameworks for future security initiatives from 2024 to 2027.

India is set to host a two-day conclave this week, featuring a coalition of ten ASEAN nations along with various dialogue partners. This gathering aims to strengthen a comprehensive strategy against the pressing issues of terrorism and extremism.

The Advanced Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) serves as a collaborative platform comprising 10 ASEAN nations alongside eight dialogue partners, including notable countries such as India, China, the United States, and Japan.

The conclave will be co-chaired by representatives from India and Malaysia. Delegations from the ten ASEAN nations, their dialogue partners, Timor Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat are expected to participate in this significant meeting.

This marks the first occasion that India will co-chair the Experts Working Group (EWG) focused on counter-terrorism. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh will initiate the conclave with a keynote address on Wednesday.

The discussions aim to develop an effective and comprehensive approach to address the changing dynamics of terrorism and extremism. The meeting will also provide a platform to share experiences among defense forces from ASEAN and its partners, setting the stage for future activities, exercises, seminars, and workshops for the 2024-2027 cycle.

The ADMM-Plus has prioritized seven specific areas for practical cooperation: counter-terrorism, maritime security, peacekeeping operations, humanitarian mine action, and cyber security. The EWGs, co-chaired by an ASEAN member state and a dialogue partner, are integral to fostering collaboration in these domains, with predefined objectives and policy guidelines for a three-year term.

In summary, India will host a pivotal two-day conclave focused on counter-terrorism strategies, involving ten ASEAN nations and key dialogue partners. This event represents India’s inaugural co-chairing of the EWG on counter-terrorism, aiming to establish a robust framework for collaborative security efforts. The gathering underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing evolving threats to regional stability.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com