How Did Indian Navy Ships Strengthen Maritime Ties in Singapore?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Strengthened maritime ties between India and Singapore.
- Successful professional exchanges with the RSN.
- Significant discussions at the Information Fusion Centre.
- Commitment to regional security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
- Over three decades of naval cooperation between both nations.
Singapore, July 19 (NationPress) The four vessels of the Indian Navy — INS Delhi, INS Satpura, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan — led by Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, successfully concluded their port visit to Singapore on Saturday. The visit involved professional engagements with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), academic discussions, and various community outreach initiatives.
"As the Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Satpura, Shakti, and Kiltan under the leadership of RAdm Susheel Menon, VSM FOCEF, wrap up a fruitful port call in Singapore (July 16-19), featuring professional exchanges with the RSN, academic interactions, and community outreach, the High Commission of India in Singapore extends best wishes to the Indian Navy team for their upcoming deployment," the Indian High Commission shared on X.
On Friday, the Indian delegation visited the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) in Singapore, engaging in conversations about real-time information sharing, cooperative maritime surveillance, and multilateral coordination efforts designed to bolster collective maritime security and domain awareness across the Indo-Pacific.
In a significant advancement for India-Singapore maritime collaboration, the Indian Navy ships arrived in Singapore on July 16 as part of the Eastern Fleet's operational deployment in South East Asia.
This port call contributes to a broader strategy aimed at enhancing maritime partnerships within the Indo-Pacific and reaffirming India’s strategic commitment to the ASEAN region.
The Indian Navy and RSN have built strong operational relations over more than three decades, characterized by regular visits, knowledge exchange, and reciprocal training agreements.
This visit highlighted the strategic alignment between the two nations, especially in promoting freedom of navigation and maintaining a rules-based maritime order. The deployment of the Eastern Fleet to Southeast Asia represents the active implementation of India’s 'Act East' policy, fostering security, stability, and dialogue throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar concluded a significant official visit to Singapore, during which he discussed regional security, trade, and technological cooperation with the nation's leadership.
Jaishankar characterized the India-Singapore relationship as a "model partnership," grounded in mutual trust and shared interests in the Indo-Pacific. India and Singapore have enjoyed over thirty years of solid naval cooperation, highlighted by joint exercises, reciprocal training programs, and regular port visits.
With increasing convergence in areas like defense, cyber security, digital economy, and supply chain resilience, India and Singapore are well-positioned to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership.
As global geopolitical dynamics change, the collaboration between India and Singapore remains a vital element for regional peace and multilateral cooperation.