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India and Singapore will mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025
In a move to enhance bilateral ties between India and Singapore, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, the Defence Minister of Singapore, arrived in India for a three-day visit from October 21-23, 2024. During his stay, he met with President Droupadi Murmu, co-chaired the 6th India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, and participated in key ceremonial events that underscored the growing defence cooperation between the two countries.
This visit is significant, as it comes at a time when India and Singapore prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations; 2024 is also the 10th year of India’s Act East Policy, which has placed Singapore at the forefront of India’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
A Meeting of Minds at Rashtrapati Bhavan
On Tuesday (October 22, 2024), Dr. Ng Eng Hen was welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu. The President emphasised the historical and cultural ties that bind India and Singapore, and the recent elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. She also pointed out the success of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, co-hosted by Singapore, and expressed her confidence in the upcoming joint military exercises between the armed forces of both nations.
The President further highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration between the defence research and development teams of India and Singapore. Given the rapid advancements in technology and the growing importance of cybersecurity, automation, and artificial intelligence in the defence sector.
Sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue
Earlier on Tuesday, Dr. Ng Eng Hen and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 6th India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue. Both ministers acknowledged the long-standing defence relations between the two countries, which are rooted in shared perspectives on regional peace, stability, and security.
During the dialogue, the two ministers agreed to extend the bilateral agreement on Joint Military Training for the next five years. This agreement is particularly significant, as it facilitates mutual training and interoperability between the Indian Armed Forces and the Republic of Singapore Armed Forces (RSAF). The extension will ensure that the forces of both nations remain well-prepared for future collaborative missions and regional security challenges.
Enhancing Industrial and Cybersecurity Cooperation
A key takeaway from the Defence Ministerial Dialogue was the focus on enhancing industrial cooperation between India and Singapore, particularly in the defence manufacturing sector. Both sides expressed interest in exploring collaborations in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation, and cybersecurity. These discussions come in the wake of growing global concerns regarding the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. India and Singapore have been at the forefront of cybersecurity initiatives, and their cooperation in this domain is expected to yield substantial benefits for both nations.
The two ministers also expressed satisfaction with the regular engagements between the armed forces of India and Singapore in recent years. Rajnath Singh thanked Singapore for its continued support of India in multilateral forums, particularly in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), where Singapore served as the country coordinator for India from 2021 to 2024.
Ceremonial Reception and National War Memorial Visit
In addition to high-level meetings and dialogues, Dr. Ng Eng Hen was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a Tri-Service Guard of Honour, a mark of respect for the visiting dignitary. The Guard of Honour is a traditional military salute that highlights the respect and regard India holds for Singapore’s Defence Minister and the nation he represents.
The Singaporean Defence Minister also paid homage to the fallen heroes of India by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
Joint Military Training (JMT) 2024
Coinciding with the visit of Dr. Ng Eng Hen is the commencement of the 12th India-Singapore Joint Military Training (JMT) at the Air Force Station in Kalaikunda, West Bengal. This annual exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is a testament to the deepening defence ties between the two nations. The JMT focuses on enhancing the operational capabilities of both air forces, with training exercises designed around advanced air combat simulations, joint mission planning, and debriefing sessions.
The exercise is also an opportunity for both nations to exchange best practices and build camaraderie through friendly competitions and cultural exchanges. This year’s JMT includes the largest-ever contingent from the RSAF, which will be operating its F-16 and F-15 fighter jets, alongside G-550 Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and C-130 transport aircraft. On the Indian side, the IAF will contribute its Rafale, Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, and Tejas fighter jets, among others.
As India and Singapore prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, the defence cooperation between the two countries is set to grow even stronger. Both nations have committed to stepping up their joint military exercises, enhancing industrial collaboration, and furthering their cybersecurity cooperation. This visit by Dr. Ng Eng Hen has served to not only reinforce the strong ties between India and Singapore but also to set the stage for new avenues of cooperation in the future.
India’s Act East Policy and its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore are indicative of a larger strategic vision—one that seeks to foster peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. As both nations continue to collaborate on defence and security matters, they are also sending a clear message: regional security requires not just military might, but also the sharing of knowledge, technology, and mutual respect.
With a shared commitment to regional peace, India and Singapore are poised to lead by example, demonstrating that strong bilateral ties and cooperation can serve as a cornerstone for stability and security in an increasingly complex world.
This visit is significant, as it comes at a time when India and Singapore prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations; 2024 is also the 10th year of India’s Act East Policy, which has placed Singapore at the forefront of India’s engagement with Southeast Asia.
A Meeting of Minds at Rashtrapati Bhavan
On Tuesday (October 22, 2024), Dr. Ng Eng Hen was welcomed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan by President Droupadi Murmu. The President emphasised the historical and cultural ties that bind India and Singapore, and the recent elevation of the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. She also pointed out the success of the ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, co-hosted by Singapore, and expressed her confidence in the upcoming joint military exercises between the armed forces of both nations.
The President further highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration between the defence research and development teams of India and Singapore. Given the rapid advancements in technology and the growing importance of cybersecurity, automation, and artificial intelligence in the defence sector.
Sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue
Earlier on Tuesday, Dr. Ng Eng Hen and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 6th India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue. Both ministers acknowledged the long-standing defence relations between the two countries, which are rooted in shared perspectives on regional peace, stability, and security.
During the dialogue, the two ministers agreed to extend the bilateral agreement on Joint Military Training for the next five years. This agreement is particularly significant, as it facilitates mutual training and interoperability between the Indian Armed Forces and the Republic of Singapore Armed Forces (RSAF). The extension will ensure that the forces of both nations remain well-prepared for future collaborative missions and regional security challenges.
Enhancing Industrial and Cybersecurity Cooperation
A key takeaway from the Defence Ministerial Dialogue was the focus on enhancing industrial cooperation between India and Singapore, particularly in the defence manufacturing sector. Both sides expressed interest in exploring collaborations in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, automation, and cybersecurity. These discussions come in the wake of growing global concerns regarding the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. India and Singapore have been at the forefront of cybersecurity initiatives, and their cooperation in this domain is expected to yield substantial benefits for both nations.
The two ministers also expressed satisfaction with the regular engagements between the armed forces of India and Singapore in recent years. Rajnath Singh thanked Singapore for its continued support of India in multilateral forums, particularly in the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), where Singapore served as the country coordinator for India from 2021 to 2024.
Ceremonial Reception and National War Memorial Visit
In addition to high-level meetings and dialogues, Dr. Ng Eng Hen was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by a Tri-Service Guard of Honour, a mark of respect for the visiting dignitary. The Guard of Honour is a traditional military salute that highlights the respect and regard India holds for Singapore’s Defence Minister and the nation he represents.
The Singaporean Defence Minister also paid homage to the fallen heroes of India by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in Delhi.
Joint Military Training (JMT) 2024
Coinciding with the visit of Dr. Ng Eng Hen is the commencement of the 12th India-Singapore Joint Military Training (JMT) at the Air Force Station in Kalaikunda, West Bengal. This annual exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is a testament to the deepening defence ties between the two nations. The JMT focuses on enhancing the operational capabilities of both air forces, with training exercises designed around advanced air combat simulations, joint mission planning, and debriefing sessions.
The exercise is also an opportunity for both nations to exchange best practices and build camaraderie through friendly competitions and cultural exchanges. This year’s JMT includes the largest-ever contingent from the RSAF, which will be operating its F-16 and F-15 fighter jets, alongside G-550 Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft and C-130 transport aircraft. On the Indian side, the IAF will contribute its Rafale, Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI, and Tejas fighter jets, among others.
As India and Singapore prepare to mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, the defence cooperation between the two countries is set to grow even stronger. Both nations have committed to stepping up their joint military exercises, enhancing industrial collaboration, and furthering their cybersecurity cooperation. This visit by Dr. Ng Eng Hen has served to not only reinforce the strong ties between India and Singapore but also to set the stage for new avenues of cooperation in the future.
India’s Act East Policy and its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Singapore are indicative of a larger strategic vision—one that seeks to foster peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. As both nations continue to collaborate on defence and security matters, they are also sending a clear message: regional security requires not just military might, but also the sharing of knowledge, technology, and mutual respect.
With a shared commitment to regional peace, India and Singapore are poised to lead by example, demonstrating that strong bilateral ties and cooperation can serve as a cornerstone for stability and security in an increasingly complex world.
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