Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue with Singapore’s Minister of Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, on October 22, in New Delhi. This important meeting is set to advance defence cooperation between the two nations and facilitate discussions on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
India and Singapore share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with bilateral defence relations serving as a vital pillar of this collaboration. Over the years, the defence engagements between the two countries have evolved significantly. They now encompass a wide range of activities, including military-to-military exchanges, high-level visits, capacity-building initiatives, training programs, cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations, ship visits, and joint military exercises.
Singapore plays a crucial role in India’s Act East Policy and is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific vision. The defence and security partnership between India and Singapore is considered an essential factor for stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
During his visit to India from October 21 to 23 2024, Dr Ng Eng Hen will engage in discussions aimed at bolstering these strategic ties. The fifth edition of the Defence Ministers’ Dialogue took place in January 2021 via virtual teleconference, marking a continuation of ongoing discussions despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
As both nations look to deepen their collaboration, this dialogue is expected to reinforce their commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.