The 16ᵗʰ India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue was held in Singapore on May 28, 2026
Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Joseph Leong co-chaired the dialogue
Both Secretaries reviewed progress of ongoing defence engagements
Held wide-ranging discussions on key areas of defence cooperation, military engagements, defence industry collaboration, capacity building & regional security issues
Explored new avenues for further strengthening the strategic relationship
Discussed expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including collaboration between the industries
Specifically discussed enhancing cooperation in niche and emerging domains: cyber security, artificial intelligence, maritime security, unmanned systems, and advanced defence technologies
Discussions underscored importance of innovation-driven partnerships and deeper collaboration in emerging areas
Both countries appreciated continued cooperation in regional and multilateral forums including Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-led mechanisms and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) framework
Reiterated commitment to supporting an open, inclusive, and rule-based regional security architecture
Committed to promoting practical and constructive defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region
Dialogue highlighted importance of sustained high-level exchanges and deeper institutional collaboration
Defence Secretary visited the Digital Operations Technology Centre of the Digital and Intelligence Service of Singapore Armed Forces
Visit offered insights into digital & technical capabilities of Singapore Armed Forces
Explored potential collaboration with Indian Defence Forces in niche and emergent domains of warfare
