The 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024), a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces, concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali in Maharashtra on 30th November 2024. The three-day exercise conducted from 28th to 30th November 2024, witnessed participation by the Singapore Armed Forces contingent comprising 182 personnel from the Singapore Artillery and the Indian Army contingent comprising 114 personnel from the Regiment of Artillery.
The aim of XAW-2024 was to maximise mutual understanding of drills and procedures to achieve jointness as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter. The exercise showcased joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery of both Armies.
The event was witnessed by Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery, Lieutenant General NS Sarna, Commandant, School of Artillery, and Colonel Ong Chiou Perng, Chief Artillery Officer, Singapore Armed Forces. The dignitaries appreciated the participating troops for displaying high levels of professional acumen and expertise.
The Exercise involved extensive joint preparation, coordination, understanding of each other’s capabilities, procedures and evolution of a common interface between Indian and Singapore Artillery procedures. It marked the culmination of successful training by Singapore Armed Forces troops exposing them to the intricacies of firepower planning. Both sides utilised niche technologies during the exercise and exchanged best practices as part of the joint training.
Last month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Singaporean counterpart, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, were set to co-chair the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi. This high-level meeting aims to bolster defence cooperation between the two nations, with discussions expected to cover a range of regional and global security issues of mutual concern.
According to a statement from India’s Ministry of Defence, the relationship between India and Singapore has flourished under a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, where defence cooperation has emerged as a cornerstone. Over the years, the defence collaboration has deepened to include military-to-military exchanges, high-level visits, joint training initiatives, peacekeeping operations under the United Nations, naval ship visits, and regular bilateral military exercises.
Team Bharatshakti
