New Delhi, Nov 21 (KNN) The 3rd Defence Ministers’ Dialogue (DMD) between India and Singapore was successfully concluded after both countries signed the revised Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) in 2015 to further strengthen the long standing defence relationship between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Indian Armed Forces.

Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Defence and Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of Defence, Singapore expressed satisfaction at the deepening defence ties between India and Singapore and reaffirmed their commitment to support further initiatives that would promote stability to the region.

Of particular significance during this meeting was the renewal of the Bilateral Agreement for the conduct of Joint Army Training and Exercises in India.

This agreement gives out an exhaustive framework for the conduct of joint training as well as exercises for the Singapore Armed Forces in India and will further strengthen the cooperation between the two Armed Forces.

Dr Ng attended the final sea phase of the 25th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise - SIMBEX on board INS Shakti.

This multi-dimensional exercise witnessed participation of ships, submarines a well as aircraft from both sides and live firings at sea.

Both Ministers complimented all personnel participating in the milestone event and for making it a success which is a testament of the long standing ties between the armed forces of the two countries.

Sitharaman affirmed India’s full support and active participation in the regional security architecture of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus and its many initiatives.

As an ADMM Plus member, India supports the adoption of the Guidelines for Air Military Encounters.

Sitharaman reaffirmed India’s belief that disputes should be resolved through peaceful means, and in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law.

Both Ministers agreed on the importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational security threats and in particular measures to collectively tackle the threat of terrorism.

Both ministers agreed to step up intelligence and information sharing, particularly in the areas of maritime security and counter terrorism and expand collaboration on submarine safety and rescue.  

Ministers also commended the progress in defence technology collaboration under the auspices of the lndia-Singapore Defence Technology Steering Committee and the India-Singapore Defence Industry Working Group.

It was also agreed to hold the 4th DMD in Singapore next year on mutually convenient dates.