India-Singapore Defence Ministers Strengthen Ties at Sixth Defence Ministerial Dialogue

New Delhi: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Singapore’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi on October 22, 2024. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted and long-standing defence relations between the two nations, founded on a shared commitment to regional peace, stability, and security.

This dialogue is particularly significant as India celebrates a decade of its Act East policy, in which Singapore has played a pivotal role in enhancing economic cooperation and cultural ties, as well as fostering strategic connectivity within the region.

Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the growing defence cooperation, noting the regular engagements between the armed forces of India and Singapore in recent years. With 2025 marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, both parties agreed to intensify defence collaboration and strive for new milestones. They also decided to extend the bilateral agreement on Joint Military Training for the Army for an additional five years.

Recognizing their natural partnership, the ministers committed to co-development and co-production of defence equipment. They emphasized the importance of enhancing industry cooperation, particularly in niche areas such as automation and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the dialogue addressed cooperation in emerging domains like cybersecurity, reflecting the evolving security landscape.

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 acknowledged India’s vital role as a strategic voice for peace and stability in Asia. The bilateral relationship was further elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Singapore.

Prior to the dialogue, Dr. Ng Eng Hen received a ceremonial welcome and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour in New Delhi. He also paid homage to fallen heroes by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial.

Dr. Ng Eng Hen is in India from October 21 to October 23, 2024, to strengthen bilateral ties and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation in defence and security.