New Delhi/Singapore, September 5 — India and Singapore deepened their defence cooperation during the 16th Defence Working Group (DWG) meeting, held on September 4 in Singapore, with both nations reaffirming their commitment to strengthening strategic and operational ties. The latest dialogue between the two longstanding defence partners focused on consolidating existing initiatives while carving out new avenues of collaboration in a rapidly evolving Indo-Pacific security environment.
The high-level meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defense, Government of India, and Colonel Daxson Yap, Director of the Policy Office, Ministry of Defense, Singapore. Discussions covered a broad spectrum of issues, including the review of past agreements, progress assessments, and formulation of future strategic engagements.
Expanding Defence Ties Amid Regional Challenges
The dialogue came against the backdrop of growing maritime security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, where both India and Singapore share strategic interests. The DWG served as a critical platform for both sides to align their defence objectives and share perspectives on regional and global developments that could impact security dynamics in Asia.
The meeting built upon the outcomes of the last Defence Ministers’ Dialogue (DMD) and was in line with the commitments outlined in the Joint Statement on the Roadmap for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, agreed upon earlier this year during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral meeting with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in New Delhi.
Focus Areas: Maritime Security, Emerging Technologies, and Capacity Building
The discussions highlighted collaboration in maritime security, especially concerning the shared commitment to preserving freedom of navigation, countering transnational threats, and enhancing interoperability between naval forces. Both countries emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly in contested maritime zones and global commons such as the South China Sea.
Emerging areas of cooperation, including cyber defence, space, and advanced technologies, also featured prominently in the dialogue. As digital and technological capabilities become increasingly integral to national defence strategies, India and Singapore expressed mutual interest in exploring joint development projects, research collaboration, and information-sharing frameworks.
Additionally, the DWG covered joint training and exercises, with both sides recognising the value of regular bilateral and multilateral drills in strengthening operational synergy. India and Singapore have a longstanding tradition of military exercises, including SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise), which remains a key pillar in their naval cooperation.
Defence Industry and Technological Cooperation
With an eye on self-reliance and innovation, the two sides explored deeper defence industrial partnerships, discussing the scope for co-development and co-production under India’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives. Discussions also delved into knowledge transfer, supply chain collaboration, and promoting private sector engagement across both nations.
Singapore, known for its tech-driven defence ecosystem, expressed interest in collaborating with India’s growing defence startups and public sector units to create a mutually beneficial technology exchange ecosystem. The meeting also noted the need to establish mechanisms for defence R&D collaboration, particularly in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and surveillance systems.
Multilateral Cooperation and Regional Integration
Another key theme of the meeting was the emphasis on multilateral initiatives, with India and Singapore sharing a common vision of rules-based order, open trade routes, and cooperative security in the Indo-Pacific. They reiterated support for ASEAN-led mechanisms and committed to further integration within regional security architectures, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) framework.
Singapore’s pivotal role in India’s Act East policy was also acknowledged during the meeting. The policy, which seeks to enhance India’s engagement with Southeast Asia, views Singapore as a bridge to ASEAN and a strategic partner in economic and security domains. The alignment of interests between the two countries reflects not only shared values but also a shared responsibility for regional peace and prosperity.
Diplomatic Milestone: 60 Years of India-Singapore Relations
The 2025 calendar year will mark 60 years of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore, and the current DWG meeting set the tone for enhanced engagement in the lead-up to this significant milestone. Officials from both sides emphasised the importance of leveraging this anniversary to showcase tangible achievements in defence cooperation and to set the agenda for the next phase of strategic relations.
The symbolism of the meeting’s timing was not lost on observers, as it comes amid intensified geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific. For India and Singapore, bolstering defence ties is not just about strategic posturing but also about laying down a framework of trust, mutual respect, and operational partnership in a complex regional security matrix.
High-Level Engagements and Strategic Site Visits
During his visit, Amitabh Prasad held a separate bilateral meeting with Deputy Secretary (Policy) BG Fredrick Choo, further discussing broader aspects of bilateral cooperation and joint strategic planning. He also visited key strategic installations, including the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Cyber Security and Information Centre of Excellence at Changi Naval Base.
The visits underscored the shared interest in enhancing maritime domain awareness and strengthening cyber resilience. The Information Fusion Centre, in particular, has emerged as a regional hub for coordinated maritime surveillance and information exchange, with India playing an active role in its initiatives.
A Steady and Strategic Partnership
Over the years, India and Singapore have developed a robust and multi-layered defence relationship. The bilateral agreements on mutual logistics support, air force cooperation, and defence research collaboration have provided a steady foundation for expanding cooperation.
Singapore remains one of the few countries with which India has an annual Defence Ministers’ Dialogue and regularly conducts joint training, including aircraft deployment and cross-training programmes involving the Indian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The trust and interoperability built through such initiatives are vital in ensuring readiness and response capabilities in times of crisis.
Beyond military cooperation, the broader India-Singapore strategic partnership also spans cybersecurity policy, space situational awareness, and joint participation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, reflecting a holistic view of security cooperation.
Looking Ahead
As both countries prepare to mark six decades of diplomatic relations, the outcomes of the 16th DWG meeting are expected to shape the future trajectory of India-Singapore defence relations. From bolstering maritime security to co-creating technological capabilities, the partnership is poised to evolve into a more integrated and future-ready defence collaboration.
India’s Act East policy and Singapore’s role as a financial and strategic hub in Southeast Asia create the conditions for sustained defence diplomacy and capability synergy. The dialogue has sent a clear signal that both countries are committed to maintaining regional stability through shared responsibility and coordinated action.
The 16th Defence Working Group meeting between India and Singapore reaffirms a deepening defence partnership rooted in shared strategic interests and mutual trust. By expanding cooperation across traditional and non-traditional domains, both countries are moving towards a more comprehensive security architecture, capable of addressing emerging threats while promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. As they approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, India and Singapore are setting the stage for a more resilient, responsive, and future-focused defence alliance.
