November 22, 2024 (Vientiane, Lao PDR) – Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. engaged in strategic discussions with Indian Defense Minister Shri Rajnath Singh during the 18th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 11th ADMM-Plus on Friday.

Minister Singh emphasized the robust industrial collaborations between India and the Philippines, expressing optimism about exploring these further. He extended formal invitations to the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to visit India to witness defense asset production firsthand and to Secretary Teodoro to visit India in 2025.

Secretary Teodoro commended Minister Singh’s leadership in fostering regional defense cooperation and highlighted shared challenges faced by maritime nations. Reflecting on his earlier discussions with Japan’s Defense Minister, he noted the need to amplify the voices of maritime countries in international discourse and underscored the Philippines’ intent to learn from India’s expertise in navigating norms of international law.

The Defense Chief also expressed enthusiasm for deepening partnerships with India in co-production and technology transfer, particularly in defense and space technology. He acknowledged India’s achievements in its space program and emphasized its potential as a platform for future collaboration.

Minister Singh assured his full support for the Secretary’s initiatives, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation with the Philippines.####