India-Singapore Deepen Maritime Ties: Eastern Fleet Ends 3-Day Singapore Port Call

Indian naval ships Delhi, Shakti, Satpura, and Kiltan of the Eastern Fleet, have completed their 3-day Singapore port call, which started from July 16. The move was part of Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy’s growing maritime ties, further boosting their operational relations.

The relations between the Indian Navy and Singapore Navy span over 3 decades of cooperation, coordination and collaboration with regular visits, exchange of Best Practices and reciprocal training arrangements. The latest deployment underlined the strong linkages between both the navies and was in line with the vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

What was Eastern Fleet’s Singapore port call about?

Under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy took part in the port call which ran from July 16 to July 19. The fleet has now concluded the 3-day Singapore port call.

Eastern Fleet’s latest visit was part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy to South East Asia and has only strengthened the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two maritime nations through a series of engagements and activities.

Why was this important?

The move is aimed at bolstering the ties between the two navies. FOCEF called on the High Commissioner of India to Singapore and the Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy during the visit. They talked about key opportunities and avenues for enhancing bilateral naval ties and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

In addition to this, the Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet also engaged in informal discussions with the academic community on the Indian Navy’s perspective on maritime security and regional developments.

The exercise also saw the Commanding Officers of Eastern Fleet ships taking part in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Kranji War Memorial, paying homage to the Indian soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during World War II, the naval spokesperson said in a statement.

The 2 sides engaged in cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), and friendly sports activities. A deck reception was also hosted onboard INS Shakti, which saw the participation of RSN personnel, eminent persons, members of the diplomatic community, and the Indian diaspora.

What is India’s SAGAR vision?

Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) was first announced in 2015 and is focused on strengthening India’s maritime capabilities and presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), at the same time promoting regional cooperation and development.

In the past decade, our Navy has deepened its ties with maritime agencies of Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a move that is in congruence with the the government’s vision of SAGAR.