India Co-Hosts High-Stakes ASEAN Counter-Terrorism Meeting Amid Rising Security Concerns

New Delhi, India – As global security threats evolve, India is stepping up its role in international counter-terrorism efforts. For the first time, India is co-chairing the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism, alongside Malaysia. The two-day meeting, running from March 19-20 in New Delhi, will see representatives from across the Indo-Pacific coming together to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation.

Delegates from all 10 ASEAN nations—Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand—along with eight dialogue partners—Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, the U.S., and Russia—are attending. Timor Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat are also part of the discussions.

This high-stakes meeting marks the beginning of the 2024-2027 counter-terrorism work cycle, and India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony.

What’s on the Table?

Terrorism is a constantly shifting threat, and this meeting will set the direction for counter-terrorism collaboration over the next three years. Delegates will discuss:

1. How are terrorist tactics evolving, and what does that mean for security in the region?
2. Sharing experiences from real-world counter-terrorism operations—what has worked and what hasn’t.
3. Mapping out a strategy for joint exercises, workshops, and training programs to improve coordination among member nations.

Beyond just talk, this meeting will lay the groundwork for hands-on exercises—whether it’s tabletop drills, field training, or operational coordination exercises—all aimed at sharpening counter-terrorism responses in the Indo-Pacific.

India’s Growing Influence in Regional Security

The ADMM-Plus framework, set up in 2010, is one of the most important defence cooperation platforms in the region. It covers seven key security areas:

• Counter-Terrorism
• Maritime Security
• Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief
• Peacekeeping Operations
• Military Medicine
• Humanitarian Mine Action
• Cyber Security

Each area is handled by an Experts Working Group (EWG), co-chaired by an ASEAN member and a partner country on a rotating three-year basis. Their job is to set policy direction, organize two working meetings a year, and conduct at least one major exercise to test real-world preparedness.

For India, co-chairing the counter-terrorism EWG is a big step forward in its growing leadership in international security. With its extensive experience in tackling terrorism—both domestically and through global partnerships—India is in a strong position to shape regional strategies and push for more action-oriented collaboration.

Why This Meeting Matters

Counter-terrorism isn’t just about tracking militants—it’s about stopping terror networks from exploiting gaps in regional security. Whether it’s terror financing, radicalization through digital platforms, or the cross-border movement of extremists, the challenges require joint solutions, shared intelligence, and synchronized responses.

With geopolitical tensions rising in the Indo-Pacific, the decisions made at this meeting will have long-term implications. India’s role as a co-chair sends a clear message—it’s ready to lead from the front when it comes to fighting terrorism and securing regional stability. The meeting will wrap up with a roadmap for joint counter-terrorism efforts until 2027, setting the stage for closer cooperation among ASEAN and its partners in the years ahead.