Kuala lumpur: 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.”

According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro was quoted in a DND statement on Monday during the ASEAN-India Defense Ministers Informal Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Oct. 31. He emphasized the Philippines’ role in enhancing the defense cooperation as the country coordinator for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

Teodoro further stated that the Philippines will advance “this important relationship” when it assumes the role of ASEAN chair next year. He expressed gratitude 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.

He noted India’s status as a superpower and a leader in technology and innovation, emphasizing that India could significantly contribute to the growth of ASEAN. He highlighted potential areas of cooperation, including digital defense and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, connectivity, food and energy security, climate resilience, and affordable health care.

The informal meeting was held alongside the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ADMM-Plus from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1. ASEAN members include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.