India and Singapore Strengthen Defence Ties
Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi
On October 22, 2024, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi. This meeting aimed to enhance bilateral relations and acknowledged the strong defence ties between the two nations, based on a shared vision for regional peace and security.
Celebrating Diplomatic Milestones
As India celebrates a decade of its Act East policy, Singapore’s role in fostering economic and cultural ties is crucial. With 2025 marking 60 years of diplomatic relations, both ministers agreed to further strengthen defence cooperation and extend the Joint Military Training Army agreement for five more years.
Focus on Industry and Cybersecurity
The dialogue emphasized co-development and co-production of defence equipment, with a focus on automation and artificial intelligence. Both countries also committed to advancing cooperation in cybersecurity.
Recognition and Acknowledgments
Rajnath Singh thanked Ng Eng Hen for Singapore’s support in the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. Ng Eng Hen recognized India as a strategic voice for Asia’s peace, highlighting the elevation of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore.
Ceremonial Welcome
Before the dialogue, Ng Eng Hen received a ceremonial welcome and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour. He also paid homage to fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi.
Doubts Revealed
Defence Ties -: Defence ties refer to the relationship and cooperation between two countries in terms of military and security matters. It involves working together to improve each other’s defence capabilities.
Ministerial Dialogue -: A ministerial dialogue is a meeting between ministers from different countries to discuss important issues. In this case, it is a meeting between India’s and Singapore’s Defence Ministers.
Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is an Indian politician who serves as the Defence Minister of India. He is responsible for managing the country’s defence and military affairs.
Ng Eng Hen -: Ng Eng Hen is a politician from Singapore who serves as the Defence Minister. He is responsible for overseeing Singapore’s defence policies and military matters.
Act East policy -: India’s Act East policy is a strategy to improve economic and strategic relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian countries like Singapore.
Joint Military Training Army agreement -: This is an agreement between India and Singapore to conduct joint military training exercises. It helps both countries’ armies to learn from each other and improve their skills.
Cybersecurity -: Cybersecurity involves protecting computer systems and networks from digital attacks. It is important for national security to keep sensitive information safe from hackers.
