The 16th India-Singapore Defence Working Group meeting was held on September 4 in Singapore, marking a significant step forward in bilateral defence cooperation.
The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, India, and Colonel Daxson Yap, Director of the Policy Office, Ministry of Defence, Singapore.
The discussions focused on reviewing progress made since the last Defence Ministers’ Dialogue and advancing key initiatives across training, capability building, maritime security, defence industry collaboration, and multinational cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening defence ties and enhancing regional security architecture.
Guided by the Joint Statement on the Roadmap for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership—issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong—the dialogue emphasized emerging areas of cooperation and global commons.
The meeting holds special significance as 2025 marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. It also aligns with India’s Act East policy, where Singapore plays a pivotal role in fostering strategic connectivity and regional engagement.
On the sidelines, Shri Prasad met BG Fredrick Choo, Deputy Secretary Policy, and visited key defence installations including the Information Fusion Centre and the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Cyber Security and Information Centre of Excellence at Changi Naval Base.
