New Delhi/Singapore | July 17, 2025 —
In a significant step towards enhancing maritime diplomacy and regional cooperation, four Indian Naval ships — INS Delhi, INS Satpura, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan — arrived in Singapore on 16th July 2025 as part of their Operational Deployment to Southeast Asia. The fleet is operating under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet.
The ships were warmly welcomed by personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and representatives from the High Commission of India in Singapore, marking the beginning of a high-profile naval engagement aimed at strengthening bilateral defence ties.
Strengthening a Strategic Maritime Partnership
The port call in Singapore signifies the deep-rooted and evolving strategic partnership between India and Singapore, especially in the maritime domain. Over the years, the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) have developed robust operational relations, built on a foundation of three decades of cooperation, training exchanges, and joint exercises.
The current visit includes a series of professional, academic, and cultural engagements such as:
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Operational interactions between Indian and Singaporean naval personnel
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Discussion forums with academic institutions on maritime security and Indo-Pacific cooperation
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Community outreach and engagement activities, fostering goodwill and cultural diplomacy
These events reflect the shared maritime vision and democratic values of both nations in ensuring a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Operational Significance of the Deployment
The ongoing deployment of the Eastern Fleet to Southeast Asia underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to maintaining regional maritime stability and strengthening naval diplomacy. Such deployments not only showcase India’s maritime capabilities but also serve as a platform for interoperability, confidence building, and information sharing among partner navies in the region.
Rear Admiral Susheel Menon stated that “the visit reaffirms India’s strong commitment to regional maritime partnerships, especially with close allies like Singapore.”
Conclusion: Navigating Together for a Secure Indo-Pacific
As the geopolitical significance of the Indo-Pacific continues to grow, the Indian Navy’s sustained engagements with regional partners like Singapore play a crucial role in advancing peace, security, and cooperation. The visit of the Eastern Fleet to Singapore serves as another milestone in the enduring naval partnership and a step forward in India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
Source: PIB
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