How Did Rajnath Singh and Chan Chun Sing Strengthen Defence Relations?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rajnath Singh emphasized India's commitment to defence cooperation.
- The meeting aimed to strengthen ties with Singapore.
- Significant discussions took place on regional security.
- Singh met with several defence leaders during his visit.
- A new US-India defence framework was established.
Kuala Lumpur, Nov 1 (NationPress) On Saturday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh engaged in discussions with his Singaporean counterpart Chan Chun Sing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The two leaders explored strategies to bolster defence collaboration between India and Singapore.
During their meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), Singh reiterated New Delhi’s dedication to enhancing bilateral defence relations.
Singh shared on X, “It was a pleasure to exchange insights with Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing in Kuala Lumpur. We discussed broadening the India-Singapore defence partnership. India remains steadfast in its commitment to fortify our bilateral defence cooperation.”
Earlier, Singh convened with New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins in Kuala Lumpur, inviting her to visit India, an opportunity he believes would reaffirm the mutual vision for a progressive defence partnership.
“It was great to meet New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins in Kuala Lumpur. I extended an invitation for her visit to India, which would reinforce the shared aspirations of India and New Zealand in defence,” Singh tweeted.
Singh also had a discussion with his Vietnamese counterpart Gen. Phan Van Giang during the ADMM in Kuala Lumpur. They evaluated the current defence collaboration and delved into ways to deepen strategic and security ties.
Expressing his contentment, Singh commented on X, “Happy to have met Defence Minister Phan Van Giang in Kuala Lumpur.”
On Friday, Singh held a bilateral meeting with Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on enhancing the defence partnership between India and Malaysia.
The Defence Minister further met with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, where they signed a 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership, marking a significant milestone in their defence relations.
“Had a productive meeting with my US counterpart Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur. We signed the 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership. This will mark a new chapter in our robust defence ties,” Singh tweeted after their meeting.
Singh's visit to Malaysia commenced on Thursday for a two-day agenda at the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).