India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue: Strengthening Ties
Introduction
Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Singapore’s Minister of Defence, is visiting India for three days. He co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Warm Welcome and Strategic Partnership
The dialogue began with Rajnath Singh warmly welcoming the Singapore delegation. He emphasized the growing closeness between India and Singapore, highlighting their strategic partnership.
Significance of the Act East Policy
Singh mentioned the importance of India’s Act East Policy, celebrating its decade, with Singapore playing a key role in economic cooperation and cultural ties. Dr. Ng Eng Hen acknowledged India’s integral role in the East and appreciated the historical partnership between the two nations.
Historical Ties and Defence Cooperation
Dr. Ng Eng Hen recalled Singapore’s early reliance on India for military support, emphasizing the strong historical ties. He expressed satisfaction with the improved bilateral relations in defence and strategic partnership over the past decade.
Future Prospects
The Ministry of Defence announced the dialogue, highlighting diverse engagements between the two countries, including military exchanges, training programs, and cooperation in UN Peacekeeping. The dialogue, inaugurated in 2016, serves as a key platform for strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.
Conclusion
The sixth Defence Ministers’ Dialogue aims to boost bilateral engagement and regional security, building on the success of previous meetings.
Doubts Revealed
Defence Ministers’ Dialogue -: This is a meeting where the Defence Ministers of two countries, India and Singapore, come together to discuss and improve their military and defence relationships.
Rajnath Singh -: Rajnath Singh is the Defence Minister of India. He is responsible for managing the country’s defence and military affairs.
Dr. Ng Eng Hen -: Dr. Ng Eng Hen is the Defence Minister of Singapore. He is in charge of Singapore’s defence and military matters.
Strategic partnership -: This means a special relationship between two countries where they work closely together on important issues like defence, trade, and security.
Act East Policy -: India’s Act East Policy is a strategy to improve relations with Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, to boost trade, security, and cultural ties.
Bilateral defence cooperation -: This refers to the two countries, India and Singapore, working together to strengthen their military and defence capabilities through joint activities like training and exchanges.