On October 22, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Singapore’s Minister of Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. The meeting underscored the deep and enduring bilateral defence relations, which are grounded in a shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and security.
This dialogue is particularly significant as India marks a decade of its Act East policy, with Singapore playing a crucial role in fostering economic cooperation, cultural ties, and strategic connectivity across the region. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the growing defence collaboration, highlighted by regular engagements between the armed forces of the two nations in recent years.
With 2025 set to commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore, both leaders agreed to further enhance defence cooperation and aim for new achievements. They also extended the bilateral agreement on Joint Military Training for an additional five years.
Recognizing their natural partnership, the ministers discussed co-development and co-production of defence equipment, emphasizing the need for enhanced industry cooperation, particularly in niche areas such as automation and artificial intelligence. Additionally, they resolved to advance collaboration in emerging sectors like cyber security.
Rajnath Singh thanked Dr Ng Eng Hen for Singapore’s support as the country coordinator for India in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus from 2021 to 2024. Dr Ng Eng Hen acknowledged India’s role as a strategic voice for peace and stability in Asia. The bilateral relationship was recently elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore.
Prior to the dialogue, Dr Ng Eng Hen was honoured with a ceremonial welcome and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour. He also laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi to pay tribute to fallen heroes. Dr Ng Eng Hen is visiting India from October 21-23.
