As part of an effort to strengthen maritime security and stability in the region, three Indian naval ships visited Singapore on May 6-9. The ships, Delhi, Shakti and Kiltan, were part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea, a PIB press release stated.
During the visit, the crews of the ships had an opportunity to interact with the Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy at the Singapore Naval Headquarters. This provided an opportunity for discussions on enhancing naval cooperation and interoperability between the navies of both countries.
Moreover, a deck reception was hosted on board INS Shakti, which provided an opportunity for local school children from Singapore and the Indian diaspora to interact with the Indian naval officers and learn about maritime operations, India’s rich maritime history and heritage, and the importance of maritime security.
The visit also included cross-ship visits and the Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) for personnel from both the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy. This aimed to inspire the younger generation and promote a greater understanding of maritime affairs.
The interactions between the two navies will strengthen the maritime security and cooperation between India and Singapore.