The Philippines, through Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., has committed to help strengthen the defense cooperation between Southeast Asia and India, which he described as a “superpower.”

“We are honored to play our part in enhancing the defense cooperation between Southeast Asia and India in our capacity as country coordinator for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations),” a DND statement on Monday quoted Teodoro as telling the ASEAN-India Defense Ministers Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Oct. 31.

Teodoro said the Philippines will further advance “this important relationship” when it becomes ASEAN chair next year.

He also expressed appreciation to India for its “robust and sustained engagements” with the defense establishments of ASEAN member-states, and highlighted the Philippines’ role as country coordinator for ASEAN-India dialogue relations from 2024 to 2027.

“Given our Chair’s remarks, that India is a superpower, a technology growth center, a leader in science, technology, and innovation; there is much that this superpower has to complement the growth of ASEAN, to be a partner of ASEAN in the defense sphere and in a vast array of other spheres in its growth, while serving as a major counterpoint and a supporter of ASEAN resilience and ASEAN centrality,” Teodoro said, putting emphasis on cooperation in digital defense and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, connectivity, food and energy security, climate resilience, and affordable health care.

The informal meeting took place at the sidelines of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus that took place from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

Aside from the Philippines, other ASEAN members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. (PNA)