Strengthening Maritime Diplomacy: India’s Strategic Engagement in the ADMM-Plus Framework

The deployment of Indian Naval Ships (INS) Sahyadri and Kulish to Subic Bay, Philippines, for the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Joint Cooperation Activity marks a significant milestone in India’s maritime diplomacy. This engagement is not merely a routine port call but a strategic manifestation of India’s 'Act East' policy, which seeks to deepen security and economic ties with Southeast Asian nations to ensure a stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

The ADMM-Plus serves as a critical platform for ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners—including India—to foster practical cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. By participating in these joint activities, the Indian Navy enhances its interoperability with regional partners, facilitating a shared understanding of maritime challenges, including illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, piracy, and the protection of critical sea lines of communication (SLOCs).

Furthermore, this deployment aligns with India’s 'MAHASAGAR' (Maritime Heritage Against Sea-borne Aggression and Global Awareness for Resilience) vision. This initiative emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in the Indian Ocean Region and beyond, positioning India as a 'net security provider' in the Indo-Pacific. The presence of frontline warships like the Sahyadri and Kulish demonstrates India’s capability and willingness to project power in support of regional stability, countering the influence of extra-regional actors who may seek to disrupt the status quo. For India, these exercises are essential for building trust, sharing best practices, and ensuring that the Indo-Pacific remains free, open, and inclusive, thereby safeguarding India’s long-term economic and strategic interests in the region.