India, Singapore discuss ways to boost defence cooperation

India and Singapore today discussed ways to boost defence and security cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain.

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Photo courtesy: india.com

Several key issues relating to defence ties figured during Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's meeting with Singapore's Permanent Secretary of Defence Chan Yang Kit, officials said. 

The issue of implementation of an agreement to deepen bilateral maritime security cooperation in strategically key sea lanes and access each other's naval bases also figured during the discussion. 

In November last year, the two countries had inked the pact under which Singapore will provide its naval bases for refuelling and berthing of Indian ships, which is expected to add teeth to India's operational reach in Malacca Strait and nearby areas. 

Under the provision of the pact, India will provide logistics support to Singapore include live firing drills in the Andaman.