India and Singapore review security ties

New Delhi, Nov. 21 (ANI): India and Singapore have agreed to further enhance the bilateral defence relationship in the mutual interest of both countries, as it would contribute to regional peace and stability.

Defence Minister A.K. Antony and the visiting Minister of Defence of Singapore Dr. Ng Eng Hen after the bilateral delegation level talks here today, expressed satisfaction over the wide ranging comprehensive defence exchanges between both the countries.

Both the ministers also agreed that the on-going interactions between the defence establishments of the two countries, including through regular joint military training and exercises, had been useful. They also agreed to continue such interactions.

They also exchanged views on the global and regional security scenario. In the context of the security situation in the Asia Pacific region, both ministers acknowledged the role of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) Plus framework in promoting dialogue and consensus in the region.

Defence Minister Antony reiterated India's commitment to remain constructively engaged in activities under the ADMM Plus framework.

Both ministers noted the commonalities in the security concerns of India and Singapore and acknowledged that there was scope for both countries to continue to work together for regional peace and stability. To this end, it was decided that there should be regular meetings at the level of both Defence Ministers to facilitate exchanges of views on important issues and common security concerns.

The Singapore Defence Minister, who is on a three-day visit to India, was accompanied by the High Commissioner of Singapore in India, Karen Tan and other officials of the Singapore Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces.

The Indian delegation included Defence Secretary and CISC as well as other senior officers of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces.

Prior to the meeting, the Singapore Defence Minister laid a wreath at the Amar Jawan Jyoti here. He was also accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour. (ANI)