The 16th meeting of the India-Singapore Defence Working Group (DWG) was held in Singapore on September 4, 2025. The session was co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation), Ministry of Defence, India, and Col Daxson Yap, Director, Policy Office, Ministry of Defence, Singapore.
The discussions reviewed progress on decisions taken during the last Defence Ministers’ Dialogue and evaluated various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives. Both sides exchanged perspectives on regional security and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multifaceted defence engagements.
The deliberations were guided by the recently issued Joint Statement on the Roadmap for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Singapore’s Prime Minister Mr. Lawrence Wong in New Delhi.
India and Singapore expressed satisfaction over ongoing collaboration and explored ways to deepen cooperation in training, capability building, industry and technology, maritime security, and multinational engagements. They also emphasized cooperation in emerging domains, including global commons.
Marking 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, both nations agreed to further expand defence cooperation. The meeting also highlighted Singapore’s central role in India’s Act East Policy, particularly in enhancing strategic connectivity, economic partnerships, and cultural exchanges in the region.
On the sidelines, Shri Amitabh Prasad held discussions with Deputy Secretary (Policy) BG Fredrick Choo and visited the Information Fusion Centre as well as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Cyber Security and Information Centre of Excellence at Changi Naval Base.