Rajnath Singh holds key meetings with Japan and America in the Philippines

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held significant meetings with the defence ministers of Japan and America during the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) held in Cebu, Philippines. Upon arriving at the Mactan Expo in Cebu on October 28, 2026, Rajnath Singh was accorded a Guard of Honour. During this visit, he held bilateral talks with Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and America's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

According to the PIB, in his meeting with Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, Rajnath Singh explored new avenues to further strengthen the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Both ministers welcomed the steady progress in bilateral defence cooperation since their meeting in August. The meeting discussed accelerating the process for holding the Japan-India Defence Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo later this year and the 4th Japan-India Foreign and Defence Ministerial Meeting (2+2). Rajnath Singh stated on X that the shared commitment of India and Japan is of utmost importance for a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific region.

On the other hand, in the meeting with America's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, India and America reviewed the progress of the 10-year defence roadmap. According to the PIB report, both countries explored new ways to enhance defence industrial integration, technology sharing, and operational readiness. The discussion emphasized advancing military-to-military exchanges, increasing maritime security cooperation, and deepening defence industry collaboration through robust defence supply chains. Rajnath Singh described the partnership between India and America as a pillar of a free and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Serious discussions were also held on the issues of regional security and terrorism. Rajnath Singh emphasized that the global community should adopt a 'zero tolerance' approach towards countries that provide support, training, or financial assistance to terrorist organizations. Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America's unwavering solidarity and full support to India in fighting cross-border terrorism. Rajnath Singh expressed appreciation for America's consistent and strong support. Additionally, Rajnath Singh also held bilateral talks with the defence leaders of the Philippines, South Korea, and Australia, as reported by Amar Ujala.