Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, General (GEN) Bikram Singh called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this morning. GEN Singh, who is in Singapore on an introductory visit from 21 to 23 January 2014, had earlier also met with Chief of Army Major-General Ravinder Singh after inspecting the Guard of Honour. As part of his visit, GEN Singh will also visit the Multi-Mission Range Complex, Headquarters (HQ) 3rd Division and HQ Armour.

GEN Singh's visit underscores the warm and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and India. The Singapore Army and the Indian Army regularly conduct bilateral armour and artillery exercises together and both armies will conduct an armour exercise at Babina Field Firing Range in India in March. Both armies also interact regularly through professional exchanges, visits and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions provide the Singapore Army with a valuable opportunity to train alongside the Indian Army and enhance mutual understanding and inter-operability between the armed forces of both countries.