Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has underlined that maritime security is a central focus of India-ASEAN engagement. He commended ASEAN member states for agreeing to the second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise. Delivering opening remarks at the ASEAN-India defence ministers’ informal meeting in Kuala Lumpur today, the Defence Minister emphasised that securing maritime routes is the country’s top priority, saying that more than half of India’s trade passes through the South China Sea and the Malacca Strait. Mr Singh highlighted that India contributes to disaster relief, counter-terrorism and maritime security, and supports freedom of navigation and adherence to international law in the South China Sea. He said that ASEAN-India relationship will remain a strong pillar of stabilit

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