Indian Naval Fleet Strengthens Southeast Asia Ties with Successful Singapore Visit

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Singapore recently hosted a significant visit by the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet, which concluded on July 19, 2025. This port call, involving four frontline warships, INS Delhi, INS Satpura, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan, under the command of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), served to bolster the longstanding maritime cooperation between India and Singapore and reaffirm India’s strategic commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The Indian Naval Ships (INS) arrived in Singapore on July 16 to a warm reception from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the Indian High Commission. The visit was part of the Indian Navy’s broader operational deployment to Southeast Asia, aimed at enhancing bilateral naval ties through a series of professional engagements and community activities.

During their stay, Rear Admiral Menon engaged in key discussions with Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Shilpak Ambule, and the Fleet Commander of the RSN. These high-level meetings focused on deepening bilateral naval cooperation and exploring avenues for collaborative efforts within the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing shared values and strategic interests.

A poignant moment of the visit included a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Kranji War Memorial, where officers from the Eastern Fleet paid their respects to Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Beyond formal interactions, the visit fostered greater interoperability and mutual understanding through activities such as cross-deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), and friendly sports competitions between personnel of both navies.

A deck reception hosted aboard INS Shakti further cemented these bonds, bringing together RSN personnel, diplomats, distinguished Singaporean guests, and members of the Indian diaspora. This event underscored the growing defense ties and a shared commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

The visit by the Eastern Fleet aligns with India’s “Act East” policy and its broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). It highlights India’s proactive role in regional maritime engagement and its dedication to upholding a rules-based order in international waters. The successful conclusion of this port call sets a strong precedent for future collaborations, including the upcoming 32nd edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), further solidifying the strategic partnership between the two maritime nations.