Maritime patrol and coast guard leaders from ASEAN member states are seeking formal recognition of the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF) as an official sector of the regional bloc to enhance maritime security cooperation across Southeast Asia. The proposal was highlighted during the ACF’s fifth annual meeting in Manila in June 2026, where member nations adopted a joint declaration supporting greater collaboration through dialogue, information sharing, capacity building and operational coordination. Officials said formal recognition would provide a dedicated platform for coast guards and m
India and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence ties following a series of discussions aimed at enhancing military cooperation and expanding engagement between their armed forces. The 15th India–United Kingdom Executive Steering Group (ESG) meeting was held in the U.K. from June 17 to 19, bringing together defence officials to review ongoing collaboration and identify new partnership opportunities. According to the Indian Army, the engagement included visits to the U.K. Trials & Experimental Group, the Ministry of Defence in London and defenc