In the backdrop of China’s growing assertiveness in the India-Pacific region and Indian Ocean, India and Singapore on Wednesday inked a pact to further strengthen co-operation in maritime security domain after talks between visiting Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman. The two countries also called for ensuring freedom of navigation in sea lanes as China is flexing muscle on South China Sea.
Singapore also said it is keen on expanding maritime cooperation with India in the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea. Making this point, Hen said, “We all recognise Strait of Malacca and Indian Ocean are key sea lanes of communication... I think I speak on behalf of both countries, we want to see more participation and activity in both Straits of Malacca and Andaman Sea.”
Strait of Malacca is close to Andaman and Nicobar Islands and strategically important for India as more than 70 per cent of its import and export trade are conducted through the sea lanes there. Moreover, China sees the sea lanes in the Strait of Malacca as vulnerable as oil and petroleum products for it are ferried through these seas.
In fact, the Indian Navy has also increased its presence in the seas around Andaman and Nicobar Islands and recently deployed a warship on a permanent basis for patrolling the critical and strategically important Indian Ocean region.
Singapore Defence Minister also said during a media interaction after the talks that it makes sense for countries to cooperate not only to establish maritime security but to maintain freedom of navigation because “we know it is lifeline for economies.” These remarks come in the background of China asserting itself in the South China Sea leading to tension with countries located on its rim.
As regards the naval co-operation pact, Hen said he also welcomed Indian Navy to use their naval facilities for operational turnaround. This means the Indian warships can use logistical facilities like refueling and other replenishing other required items for operational needs. “I not only support but I would encourage Indian Navy to visit Changi naval base more often. The bilateral naval agreement has provision for mutual logistical support,” he stated. The pact also gives more leeway to the navies of two countries to increase joint exercises and mutual logistics support.
The two ministers also agreed to institutionalize naval engagements in the shared maritime space, including establishing maritime exercises with like-minded countries and ASEAN partners, a joint statement said.
Sitharaman said India and Singapore remain strongly committed to tackle the transnational security threats. The Singaporean defence minister emphasised the need for concerted regional and global efforts to deal with terrorism and other challenges such as tackling chemical and biological weapons.
Both sides also signed the revised Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) to further strengthen the longstanding defence relationship between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indian armed forces.
Given space constraint for conducting military exercises in Singapore, the two countries also agreed to renew the agreement for Singapore Army to carry out is annual drills at Indian army facilities. Singapore Air Force recently renewed such a pact is now exercising at Kalaikunda airbase in West Bengal. The naval pact will also allow Singapore to conduct exercises at Indian ports to be identified shortly.
