Nirmala Sitharaman leaves for Philippines

Ms Nirmala Sitharaman left for Philippines this morning to attend the Southeast Asian Defence Ministers' meeting.The two-day ADMM (ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting)-Plus meeting is expected to discuss ways to enhance defence and security co-operation among the member nations to effectively counter various transnational security challenges facing the region. 

The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and it's eight dialogue partners to strengthen security and defense co-operation for peace, 

stability, and development in the region. 

The objective



of the conference is to promote mutual trust and confidence between defence establishments through greater dialogue and transparency. The conference is also likely to discuss enhancing maritime security cooperation among the member countries. 

During her three-day stay, Ms Sitharaman is also likely to hold bilateral talks with her counterparts from a number of countries. India has deep historic and cultural linkages with ASEAN countries which have been strengthened in the recent past by vibrant economic engagement and a growing sense of shared maritime destiny.