Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke at the Brookings Institution India Centre on the topic "Singapore-India Ties - A Unique and Strategic Relationship" today.

In his speech, Dr Ng highlighted the strong and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and India. Dr Ng noted India's increasing strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific amidst an increasingly complex regional security environment. Against this backdrop, there was value for both sides to continue developing practical cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He said, "Singapore and India share similar strategic perspectives and interests for a peaceful and progressive future…This is why both countries strongly advocate adherence to international law and norms, and the peaceful resolution of disputes." He added, "During the Defence Ministers' Dialogue tomorrow, we will be discussing key security challenges including counter-terrorism and maritime security - issues which Singapore as chair of ASEAN will push to the fore.  We will flesh out the details of Minister Sitharaman's proposal for increased multilateral interactions between India and other Southeast Asian nations in the Andaman Sea.  Singapore strongly welcomes this proposal and we will facilitate it as the ASEAN Chair." 

Later today, Dr Ng will be hosted to dinner by Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Dr Ng is in India to co-chair the second India-Singapore Defence Ministers' Dialogue in New Delhi, which will be held on 29 November 2017.