The 5th Defence Ministers’ Dialogue (DMD) between India and Singapore recently took place via video conferencing. The dialogue was successful and marked by the signing of several key agreements, including one on Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation.
Agreement Signing and Joint Stand
During the dialogue, the two countries signed an Implementing Agreement on Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation between their respective navies. In addition to this, they expressed their combined support for the prompt conclusion of agreements that will facilitate conduct of live firings, as well as reciprocal arrangements for the cross-attendance of military courses.
Expanded Bilateral Cooperation
Initiatives for the expansion of bilateral defence cooperation were also welcomed by both countries. This included a new agreement on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Cooperation signed in August 2020. Furthermore, there has been an increase in engagement between the cyber agencies of both armed forces.
Impact of Covid-19
The global Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on defence and security engagements were discussed by both countries. They shared the best practices adopted by their Armed Forces in light of the pandemic.
Defence Exercises
Both India and Singapore successfully conducted the 27th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) and participated in the second edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) in November 2020. The exercises were aimed at enhancing interoperability among the navies and underlining the shared responsibility of the countries to work together in order to keep sea lines of communication open.
India’s Gratitude and Pledge
India expressed thankfulness for the support offered by the Singapore Armed Forces to foreign workers, many of whom were Indian nationals, during the peak of the pandemic. Additionally, India reaffirmed the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the regional security architecture and pledged its support to all ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus endeavours.
Singapore Praises India’s Efforts
Singapore praised India for its successful efforts in reducing the overall number of Covid-19 cases despite the significant challenges related to geography and population. It also expressed its support for India’s upcoming co-chairmanship of the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on HADR.
India-Singapore Relations
India and Singapore have a strong relationship especially in areas like defence and security cooperation, science & technology cooperation, trade and economic cooperation, infrastructure and connectivity, cultural cooperation, and their respective Indian communities.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The two countries share similar concerns regarding terrorism and extremism and find it beneficial to evolve a broad framework of security cooperation. Singapore participates in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium and multilateral Exercise MILAN, hosted by the Indian Navy. Membership of both countries in other various regional organisations facilitates coordination on mutual concerns.
Science & Technology Cooperation
The Indian Space Research Organisation has launched several of Singapore’s micro-satellites. In June 2018, six Memoranda of Understanding were signed in the areas of artificial intelligence, machine learning, cognitive computing and big data analytics which are expected to improve sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, automation, mobility, smart energy systems, and e-governance.
Trade and Economic Cooperation
Singapore is India’s second-largest trade partner among ASEAN countries. Foreign Direct Investment from Singapore into India is substantial and Indian outward FDI to Singapore is also considerable.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Direct flights connect 18 Indian cities with Singapore. Moreover, consortiums of Singapore companies are involved in a number of urban and infrastructure development projects in Indian cities and states.
Cultural Cooperation and Indian Community
There is a high level of cultural activity in Singapore, sustained by the large Indian diaspora and Singapore’s official support. The resident Indian population in Singapore is around 9% of the total resident population. Various India-centric events and celebrations also take place.
