Discuss the role of regional multilateral platforms in countering terrorism, with reference to India's co-chairship of the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism.

Terrorist networks, money and fighters move across borders, so no single country can deal with terrorism alone. Regional platforms give countries a permanent table to work together. One example is the ASEAN-led ADMM-Plus, which brings together 11 ASEAN states and 8 Dialogue Partners, including India [1]. India's co-chairship of its Experts' Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (EWG-CT) shows both what such platforms can do and where they fall short.

Role of regional platforms in countering terrorism

• Building a common view of the threat: At ADMM-Plus in Bangkok (2019), India called for shutting terrorist safe havens, disrupting terror networks and funding, and acting against state-backed proxies [2].
• Work between ministerial meetings: Senior officials and seven Experts' Working Groups keep cooperation going between the annual ministers' meetings [3].
• A table open to all major powers: The US, China, Russia and Japan all sit at an ASEAN-chaired table [1]. Counter-terrorism work can therefore continue despite rivalry between them.
• Bilateral meetings on the sidelines: Ministers can strengthen defence ties with several partners during a single trip [1].

India's EWG-CT co-chairship (with Malaysia, 2024–27)

• Shaping the agenda: India helps set the regional counter-terrorism agenda at expert level [1][3]. Terrorism has been one of India's main themes at the forum since at least 2019 [2].
• Defence arm of Act East: The role adds a security pillar to ties that became a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022 [3].
• Security role beyond trade: India-ASEAN goods trade was USD 120.87 bn in FY 2023-24 [3]. The co-chairship shows India as a security partner, not only a trading one.

Limitations

• Few visible results: Official releases describe India's role but list no specific EWG-CT exercises or outputs [1][3].
• Competing priorities: The Philippines, which claims parts of the South China Sea, chairs ADMM-Plus in 2026 [1]. Maritime disputes may push counter-terrorism lower on the agenda.
• Speeches more than action: Ministerial statements mostly repeat principles. Platforms like this build trust and habits of cooperation, not binding rules.

Regional platforms add to national counter-terrorism efforts by turning a shared threat into regular, ongoing cooperation. India's co-chair term ends in 2027, and the Cebu meeting in 2026 is the last ministerial meeting before then [1]. India should use it to produce practical results, such as joint table-top exercises and information-sharing arrangements. This would match the Act East Policy's aim of an ASEAN-centred, rules-based regional order [3].