New Delhi, 17 June: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday called for an open and inclusive order in Indo-Pacific based upon respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

“India has strengthened its cooperative engagements in the Indo-Pacific based on converging visions and values for promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Premised upon the centrality of ASEAN, India supports utilisation of ASEAN-led mechanisms as important platforms for implementation of our shared vision for the Indo-Pacific,” the Defence Minister said while addressing the 8th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus.

The ADMM Plus is an annual meeting of Defence Ministers of 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and eight dialogue partner countries - Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States.

Brunei is the Chair of the ADMM Plus forum this year. Rajnath Singh also stressed on “peaceful resolutions of disputes through dialogue and adherence to international rules and laws.”

During thematic discussions on the regional and international security environment, Rajnath Singh put forth India’s views before the Defence Ministers of ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners.