Defense Minister held bilateral talks with Singapore's Defense Minister on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus

Defense Minister Narendra Modi held significant bilateral talks with Singapore’s Defense Minister Luke Shao during the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus. This discussion took place on October 29 of this year during an international forum held in New Delhi, when the defense chiefs of both nations engaged in in-depth discussions on regional security, cyber defense, and mutual cooperation.

During the meeting, Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of further strengthening the strategic partnership with Singapore. He stated that the shared objective of India and Singapore is to “remain united against all types of threats” and to “ensure regional stability.” In this context, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in the areas of joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and cyber security to bolster each other’s defense capabilities.

Singapore’s Defense Minister Luke Shao also stated that “Singapore values its deep partnership with India in the defense sector” and “we wish to further strengthen defense dialogue between the two countries.” Shao noted that Singapore has recently enhanced its maritime security and cyber defense capabilities and is ready to cooperate with India in these areas.

During the meeting, the two defense ministers discussed plans for joint exercises and training programs. Narendra Modi revealed that India has proposed focusing joint exercises with Singapore on “Secure Maritime Routes” and “Cyber Security.” Shao welcomed this proposal and stated that Singapore is also prepared to move forward in this direction.

Additionally, both agreed to develop a joint framework for a unified response to challenges such as terrorism, piracy, and cybercrime at the international level. They also stated that “sharing intelligence and strengthening joint investigations between the two countries” would play a crucial role in enhancing regional security.

Defense Minister Narendra Modi described this bilateral dialogue as “a new chapter in India-Singapore defense cooperation.” He explained that “this cooperation will further strengthen the defense capabilities of both countries” and “will promote regional stability.”

Singapore’s Defense Minister Luke Shao also expressed the same sentiment. He stated that “both Singapore and India play important roles in their respective regions” and “cooperation between us will give a new direction to regional security.”

Following this meeting, the defense ministers of both countries issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of “regional security, cyber defense, and joint exercises.” According to the statement, India and Singapore “will face global challenges together in the field of security” and “joint efforts in the area of cyber security will improve the defense capabilities of both countries.”

Following this bilateral dialogue, new plans for deep cooperation in the defense sector between India and Singapore have emerged. The defense ministers of both countries have jointly prepared an action plan that will place special emphasis on joint exercises, cyber defense, intelligence sharing, and maritime security.

Finally, Defense Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore’s Defense Minister Luke Shao clarified that the “defense partnership between India and Singapore” is a significant step toward enhancing regional stability and security. It became clear from this meeting that new dimensions of defense cooperation will open up between the two countries, which will prove beneficial for regional security and global peace.