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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrives in India today on a three-day official visit, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit comes at a special moment, as India and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties.
While economic and cultural cooperation will be discussed, a key focus of this visit will be on deepening defence and maritime security ties, as well.
Strengthening Strategic Cooperation
India and Singapore already share strong defence cooperation under agreements signed in 2003 and renewed in 2015. Their militaries regularly take part in joint exercises across land, sea, and air.
During the visit, the two Prime Ministers are expected to review this strategic partnership and explore ways to expand joint defence operations and maritime coordination, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. This aligns with India’s Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen ties with ASEAN countries and improve regional security and connectivity.
Shared Maritime Interests in the Indo-Pacific
Defence and maritime security are expected to be a top priority in the bilateral talks on September 4. Singapore, located near the vital Strait of Malacca, plays a key role in regional maritime security. The two nations are working closely to ensure freedom of navigation and safe sea lanes, which are critical for trade and energy supply.
In recent years, both countries have co-hosted and participated in high-level naval exercises, including:
- SIMBEX, the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise, marked its 32nd edition in August 2025, involving complex operations at sea and in the air.
- Exercise Bold Kurukshetra, a joint land exercise held in India this July-August.
- Exercise Agni Warrior and Joint Military Training, conducted between their armies and air forces.
High-Level Defence Ties
In October 2024, Singapore’s Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen visited India for the 6th Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, reinforcing strategic cooperation. Singapore has also hosted Indian warships multiple times this year, and India has offered Singapore’s forces access to its training facilities and logistical support in the Andaman Sea.
The two countries are expected to discuss new mechanisms for joint maritime patrols, port access agreements, and expanded naval training programs. Discussions may also cover counter-terrorism, emerging threats like cyber and bio-security, and greater collaboration with ASEAN partners.
Expanding Operational Reach
The strategic dialogue may also explore the use of Singapore’s Changi Naval Base by Indian ships, including aircraft carriers, giving India a greater presence near the Strait of Malacca, a key global trade route. In return, Singapore could gain expanded access to Indian naval and air facilities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
This arrangement would boost India’s maritime reach in Southeast Asia and strengthen joint efforts to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly at a time of increasing Chinese activity in the region.
Strategic Partnership
India and Singapore’s cooperation extend beyond military matters. Economic, technological, and cultural ties have also grown significantly. Singapore is one of India’s largest trading partners and top foreign investors.
Agenda in Delhi
As Prime Minister Wong meets with Indian leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, the focus will be on building a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
The visit is a key step in reaffirming the strategic alignment between India and Singapore, two nations committed to regional peace and cooperation under the Act East framework.
Huma Siddiqui
