Singapore and India Reaffirm Strong and Long-standing Defence Relations at Defence Ministers' Dialogue

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) meeting Indian Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh (left) at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 4th India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue (DMD) at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) today.

During the DMD, both Ministers reaffirmed the strong and long-standing bilateral defence relationship and discussed ways to strengthen defence cooperation. They discussed regional security developments and reaffirmed the good progress made in cooperation across the three Services, on defence technology and in multilateral engagements. Both Ministers witnessed the exchange of Letters of Intent on Singapore's use of Chandipur Integrated Test Range as well as on deepening Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) cooperation.

The Joint Statement released by Dr Ng and Mr Singh after the DMD reaffirmed both countries' commitment to strengthen defence cooperation. Dr Ng welcomed India's continued engagement of the region and its active role in the regional security architecture. Both Ministers also acknowledged the conclusion of the inaugural Singapore-India-Thailand maritime exercise in the Andaman Sea and announced that it will be annualised henceforth. The Ministers also noted that this year marks the 10th Joint Military Training between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Indian Air Force.

Speaking to the media after the DMD, Dr Ng emphasised the long history of defence cooperation between Singapore and India, citing Singapore and India's defence agreements, interactions, and exercises between both Armed Forces. He said, "Our defence ties have grown strength to strength… We appreciate India's continued support for our training in India. We talked about security challenges here in the region, the Indo-Pacific area and in South Asia. I would say that we concluded the dialogue very successfully and affirmed our commitment to deepen defence ties."

Mr Singh is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 18 to 20 November 2019. As part of the visit, he called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat. Mr Singh visited RSS Singapura-Changi Naval Base where he went on board RSS Stalwart. He was also hosted to a familiarisation ride on the RSAF's Super Puma helicopter at Sembawang Air Base.

Singapore and India enjoy regular defence interactions in multiple areas, including defence policy dialogues, high-level visits, military exchanges and defence technology cooperation.

More Resources

Joint Statement by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence of The Republic Of Singapore and Shri Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence of The Republic Of India

Mr Singh reviewing a Guard of Honour at MINDEF this morning.

Dr Ng (second from left) and Mr Singh (third from right) co-chairing the 4th India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue in MINDEF this morning.

Mr Singh (centre) on board the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Super Puma helicopter for a familiarisation ride at Sembawang Air Base.

Mr Singh (second from right) receiving a brief on the frigate's capability on board the Republic of Singapore Navy's frigate RSS Stalwart during his visit to RSS Singapura-Changi Naval Base.

Dr Ng (right) hosting Mr Singh (left) to lunch this afternoon.