Navies of India, Singapore discuss maritime surveillance capabilities and operational procedures
Singapore, June 30
Indian and Singapore Navy on Tuesday came together for Subject Matter Expert Exchange on Maritime Patrol Aircraft Operations, during the visit of Indian Navy's P-8I aircraft to Paya Lebar Airbase in Singapore.
"Strengthening India-Singapore Defence Cooperation. Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy teams came together for Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) on Maritime Patrol Aircraft Operations during the visit by the Indian Navy's P8I at Paya Lebar Airbase in Singapore," the High Commission of India in Singapore wrote on X.
"The SMEE witnessed in-depth exchanges on maritime surveillance capabilities, operational procedures, training and best practices, reflecting a strong and enduring defence partnership," it added.
Last week, Singapore's High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, held a meeting with Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani, discussing defence cooperation between the armed forces of the two nations through exercises, exchanges and established dialogues.
During the meeting, Simon Wong had congratulated General Subramani on his appointment as India's CDS.
"Had an introductory call today on Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, General NS Raja Subramani. Congratulated him on his recent appointment and reflected on the breadth of long-running defence cooperation between the armed forces of both countries through major exercises, exchanges, and established dialogues. Also shared views on furthering this strong partnership under General Subramani's leadership. - HC Wong," Singapore's High Commissioner to India, posted on X.
Last month, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Permanent Secretary (Defence) Joseph Leong co-chaired the 16th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue in Singapore. Both Secretaries reviewed the progress of ongoing defence engagements and held wide-ranging discussions on key areas of defence cooperation, military engagements, defence industry collaboration, capacity building and regional security issues.
They also explored new avenues for further strengthening the strategic relationship and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including collaboration between the industries.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good cooperation but I hope these are not just photo ops. We need concrete outcomes like joint patrols and intelligence sharing on piracy and illegal fishing. The Indian Ocean is our backyard and we need real partners, not just talk shops.
Singapore's been a reliable defence partner for years - from Exercise SIMBEX to these SMEEs. The professional exchanges on maritime patrol ops show both navies are serious about keeping sea lanes secure. Way to go! 🌊
While this is positive, I wish our government would also focus on building indigenous maritime surveillance capabilities instead of relying too much on foreign platforms like P-8Is. We need to ramp up production of our own UAVs and maritime patrol aircraft. Just saying...
As someone who's worked with both navies, this kind of professional exchange is invaluable. Singapore Navy runs some of the best training programs in Asia. India's P-8I crews will definitely benefit from their expertise in anti-submarine warfare. Cheers to stronger ties!
The high commissioner's visit to CDS Subramani is also significant - shows continuity in defence diplomacy. India needs to leverage these relationships to counter China's growing influence in the region. Strategic patience and professionalism are key! ✨
D Deepak U