ADMM-Plus: The ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus

ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus) is a regional platform that brings together the defence ministers of the 10 ASEAN countries and eight dialogue partners, including India, the United States, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, and South Korea. 

Established in 2010, its main aim is to promote defence cooperation, strengthen regional security, and maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The forum focuses on areas like maritime security, counter-terrorism, disaster relief, cybersecurity, and joint military exercises to enhance collaboration and trust among member nations.

What is the ADMM-Plus?

ADMM-Plus is a special group that deals with defense and security matters. It is an extended version of a smaller, internal group called the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM). The ADMM is the most important platform for defense talks among the ASEAN member countries themselves. The "Plus" part in the name ADMM-Plus refers to the eight key countries from outside the Southeast Asian region who have joined the group.

The main purpose of the ADMM-Plus is to bring together defense ministers. They meet to discuss ways to strengthen security cooperation. This meeting is essential for building trust among different defence forces. It also helps them improve their ability to work together to solve big security challenges. 

These challenges include things like fighting terrorism, helping after a natural disaster, and ensuring safety on the seas. By working together on these problems, the ADMM-Plus helps keep the Asia-Pacific region secure and stable. The structure allows the smaller ASEAN nations to engage in meaningful dialogue with some of the world's major powers, reinforcing ASEAN's centrality in the region.

ADMM-Plus Full Form

The full form of ADMM is the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting.

This is the original and main defense cooperation group for the ten countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). It is considered the highest level of consultation on defense and cooperation within the ASEAN framework.

ADMM-Plus Established Year

The ADMM-Plus was officially established in 2010. Its first-ever meeting, known as the Inaugural Meeting, was held on October 12, 2010. The meeting took place in Ha Noi, Vietnam.

Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus has decided to hold its main meeting annually. Before 2017, the meeting was generally held every three years. This shift to annual meetings shows how important this platform has become for regional security.

ADMM-Plus Countries 

The ADMM-Plus is a large organisation made up of 18 countries. These countries are divided into two main groups: the ten ASEAN Member States and the eight Dialogue Partners, also known as the Plus Countries.

The core of the ADMM-Plus is the ten member countries of ASEAN. They are all located in Southeast Asia.

These countries are:

1. Brunei

2. Cambodia

3. Indonesia

4. Laos (Lao PDR)

5. Malaysia

6. Myanmar

7. Philippines

8. Singapore

9. Thailand

10. Vietnam

The 8 Dialogue Partners (The 'Plus' Countries)

The eight Plus Countries are the major global powers that engage with ASEAN on security matters. Their participation is crucial because it helps to maintain a balance of power and strengthens regional security.

These eight countries are:

1. Australia

2. China

3. India

4. Japan

5. New Zealand

6. Republic of Korea (South Korea)

7. Russia

8. The United States

Key Areas of Cooperation in ADMM-Plus

To manage and address different security challenges, the ADMM-Plus works through seven specific areas of practical cooperation. These areas are managed by special groups called Experts Working Groups (EWGs). Each EWG is typically co-chaired by one ASEAN Member State and one Plus Country, rotating in a three-year cycle.

The seven focus areas are:

1. Maritime Security (MS): This area focuses on keeping the sea lanes safe and secure, fighting piracy, and ensuring the free flow of trade and navigation.

2. Counter-Terrorism (CT): This group shares intelligence and strengthens strategies to prevent and combat terrorist activities across the region.

3. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): This is about improving regional coordination to provide effective help, aid, and rescue operations after major disasters like earthquakes or floods.

4. Peacekeeping Operations (PKO): This area helps enhance the capabilities of member states to participate in and support United Nations peacekeeping missions.

5. Military Medicine (MM): This focuses on improving military medical support, especially during humanitarian missions and military exercises.

6. Humanitarian Mine Action (HMA): This group works to address the issue of landmines and unexploded ordnance left over from past conflicts.

7. Cyber Security (CS): As digital threats grow, this group develops strategies and implements measures to counter cyber threats and strengthen digital defenses.

Focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (ADMM-Plus EWG on HADR)

The EWG on HADR is especially important in a region that is often hit by natural disasters. The work of this group ensures that military forces can quickly and effectively respond to save lives when a disaster occurs.

India's Role in HADR: India is an active participant in the HADR efforts. India was co-chairing the EWG on HADR along with Indonesia for the cycle from 2021 to 2024. Co-chairing an EWG shows a country’s leadership and commitment to that particular security area. India's involvement here highlights its commitment to regional stability and being a key security provider in the Indo-Pacific.

ADMM-Plus Meetings and Recent Developments

The meetings of the ADMM-Plus are where all the defense ministers come together to discuss their work.

Meeting Frequency and Chairmanship

Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus meeting has been held annually to strengthen defense cooperation between ASEAN and the Plus countries. The ADMM-Plus Chairmanship always follows the chairmanship of the ADMM (the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting).

Where is the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus held?

The meeting location rotates among the member countries.

• The inaugural (first) meeting was held in Ha Noi, Vietnam, in 2010.

• The 12th ADMM-Plus meeting took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 1, 2025. This meeting was important as it marked the 15th anniversary of the ADMM-Plus platform.

• Other important meetings in 2025 include the 14th Meeting of the ADMM-Plus, which took place in New Delhi from March 19 to March 20, 2025. This meeting was co-chaired by India and Malaysia.

India’s Strategic Role

India's participation in the ADMM-Plus is a key part of its Act East Policy. This policy aims for deeper engagement with the countries of Southeast Asia.

• Besides the HADR group, India is also the co-chair of the Experts Working Group on Counter Terrorism along with Malaysia for the cycle from 2024 to 2027.

• The second edition of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise is scheduled for 2026, further showing the deepening defense ties.

Objectives and Importance of ADMM-Plus

The overall importance of the ADMM-Plus is that it helps keep the Indo-Pacific region free, open, and secure.

The main objectives of the ADMM-Plus are:

• Strengthening Defence Cooperation: To improve military and defense cooperation between the ten ASEAN countries and the eight partner countries.

• Confidence Building: To create more mutual trust and transparency among the defense departments of all member nations.

• Enhancing Stability: To strengthen regional security and stability by addressing traditional and non-traditional threats.

• Capacity Building: To help ASEAN nations build their capacity to handle shared security issues.