Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with South Korea’s Minister of National Defense, Kang Shin-chul, on October 28, 2026, on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, focusing on expanding defence cooperation, co-developing military technologies and strengthening regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the two leaders reviewed the growing defence partnership between India and the Republic of Korea (ROK) and discussed concrete avenues for deepening strategic engagement.
The discussions highlighted opportunities for joint development of military technologies, stronger defence industry collaboration and enhanced maritime security cooperation. Both ministers reiterated their shared commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of cooperation in addressing regional security challenges.
The proposed expansion of defence technology collaboration could provide further scope for industrial partnerships and closer engagement between the defence establishments of the two countries.
Rajnath Singh is leading the Indian delegation to the 13th ADMM-Plus, hosted by the Philippines from October 28 to 29, 2026. The multilateral forum brings together ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, including India and South Korea, to advance defence dialogue and practical security cooperation.
The bilateral meeting reflects the continued focus of New Delhi and Seoul on strengthening strategic ties, expanding defence industrial engagement and promoting maritime stability across the Indo-Pacific.
