ADMM-Plus framework focuses on seven key areas of defence and security cooperation to strengthen regional peace, stability, and collaboration through joint preparedness, information sharing, and interoperability against emerging threats.


ADMM-Plus meeting is all set to take place in New Delhi on March 19 to 20, 2025 under the chairmanship of India and Malaysia. ADMM-Plus includes ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners: India, the United States, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Russia. Read on to learn more about ADMM-Plus!
The ADMM-Plus full form is ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. It is a key platform for security and defence cooperation between ASEAN and its eight partner countries. Established in 2010, ADMM-Plus promote collaboration on regional security issues. The platform strengthens defence ties and ensures peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
Credit: https://admm.asean.org/
The ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus) is a platform for defense ministers from the ten ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and eight partner countries—Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.
It was established in 2010 to promote regional security and defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region
| ADMM-Plus | |
| Establishment | 12 October 2010 |
| Inaugural Meeting | Ha Noi, Vietnam |
| Members | 10 ASEAN member countries and 8 Dialogue Partners: Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States (collectively known as “Plus Countries”). |
| Key Areas of Cooperation | Focuses on seven areas:
|
| Meeting Frequency | The ADMM-Plus meets annually, with additional retreats or special meetings as necessary. |
| Chairmanship | The Chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus follows that of the ADMM. Currently chaired by Malaysia. |
| Working Groups | Experts’ Working Groups (EWGs) are established for specific security issues, co-chaired by one ASEAN member state and one Plus country. |
| Decision-Making | Decisions are made based on consultation and consensus among member states. |
The 14th Meeting of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group (EWG) on Counter-Terrorism is taking place in New Delhi from March 19 to 20, 2025. India and Malaysia will co-chair the meeting and delegations from 10 ASEAN members, eight dialogue partners, Timor Leste, and the ASEAN Secretariat will participate.
Here are the key highlights of the 14th ADMM-Plus EWG Meeting:
The objectives of ADMM-Plus focus on fostering defence cooperation among member nations. The framework ensures security, stability, and resilience in the Asia-Pacific region.
| Area of Cooperation | Objective / Focus |
|---|---|
| 1. Maritime Security | Strengthen naval coordination, secure sea lanes, and combat piracy for safer trade routes in the Indo-Pacific. |
| 2. Counter-Terrorism | Share intelligence, enhance joint operations, and develop strategies to prevent extremist activities and terrorism. |
| 3. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) | Improve collective response during natural disasters and humanitarian crises through coordinated military support. |
| 4. Peacekeeping Operations | Promote cooperation in UN-led peacekeeping missions and capacity building for global peace efforts. |
| 5. Military Medicine | Enhance medical collaboration for battlefield healthcare, pandemic response, and disaster management. |
| 6. Humanitarian Mine Action | Address landmine threats and improve post-conflict rehabilitation through joint training and demining efforts. |
| 7. Cyber Security | Strengthen regional cyber defences, share best practices, and counter emerging cyber threats and warfare. |
Over the years, ADMM-Plus has successfully implemented various initiatives to tackle security challenges. Here are some of the key achievements of this forum:
To sum up, the ADMM-Plus forum played a crucial role in regional security and defence cooperation. The platform continues to strengthen security frameworks in the Asia-Pacific region and its 14th meeting will reinforce commitments to counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and military collaboration.
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