The 14th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism is set to take place in New Delhi on March 19-20, 2025. Co-chaired by India and Malaysia, this marks the first time India will hold this key leadership role in counter-terrorism discussions within the ADMM-Plus framework.
Background of ADMM-Plus
Established in 2010, the ADMM-Plus is a crucial security platform that fosters defence cooperation between ASEAN member states and their eight dialogue partners. Its primary goal is to promote regional stability and security through dialogue, capacity building, and joint exercises. The platform focuses on seven key areas:
- Counter-Terrorism
- Maritime Security
- Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Management
- Peacekeeping Operations
- Military Medicine
- Humanitarian Mine Action
- Cyber Security
Role of the Experts Working Groups (EWGs)
Each EWG under ADMM-Plus is co-chaired by an ASEAN member state and one dialogue partner for a three-year cycle. These co-chairs are responsible for setting objectives, policies, and guidelines for their term.
Key responsibilities of the EWGs include:
- Conducting at least two meetings per year.
- Organizing a practical exercise in the final year of the cycle.
- Strengthening collaboration among member states on security challenges.
Participants in ADMM-Plus
The ADMM-Plus includes diverse participants, reflecting its broad geopolitical significance:
- 10 ASEAN Member States: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand.
- 8 Dialogue Partners: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, the United States, and Russia.
- Other Participants: Timor Leste and the ASEAN Secretariat.
Objectives of the ADMM-Plus
The overarching aim of the ADMM-Plus is to strengthen security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. It seeks to:
- Build the capacity of ASEAN nations to address shared security threats.
- Enhance mutual trust and transparency between defence establishments.
- Improve regional peace and stability through collective action.
Purpose and Significance of the Conclave
The upcoming meeting in New Delhi aims to reinforce regional counter-terrorism strategies. Member states will share best practices, discuss emerging security threats, and establish a strong framework for collaboration. The discussions will also focus on addressing evolving challenges in areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security, and peacekeeping operations.
Key Focus Areas for Discussion
The deliberations at the EWG will cover a range of pressing security issues, including:
- Counter-terrorism measures and intelligence sharing.
- Strategies for tackling maritime security threats.
- Enhancing cooperation in peacekeeping operations.
- Strengthening humanitarian mine action efforts.
- Addressing cybersecurity threats and regional vulnerabilities.
Looking Ahead: A Strengthened Regional Security Framework
With India co-chairing the EWG on Counter-Terrorism for the first time, the 14th ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group meeting is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation and strategic partnerships among participating nations. The discussions and outcomes will contribute significantly to shaping the security landscape of the Indo-Pacific region in the coming years.