INS Kiltan Arrives in Singapore for IMDEX Asia 2025, Strengthening Naval Ties

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kiltan has made a significant port call at Singapore to participate in the prestigious International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025, being held at the Changi Exhibition Centre. This visit underscores the growing maritime collaboration between India and Singapore and reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to regional peace, security, and partnership.

A Key Component of India’s Operational Deployment

INS Kiltan’s visit to Singapore forms part of the Indian Navy’s broader operational deployment across Southeast Asia. As an indigenously-built Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) corvette of the Kamorta-class, INS Kiltan represents the Indian Navy’s self-reliance and shipbuilding capabilities under the “Make in India” initiative. Its presence in Singapore is both a strategic and symbolic gesture of India’s readiness to engage with partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

Engagements to Enhance Cooperation and Interoperability

During its stay in Singapore, the ship’s crew will actively participate in a wide range of bilateral and multilateral engagements. These include:

• Professional exchanges and seminars with the Republic of Singapore Navy and other international navies attending IMDEX.

• Cross-deck visits, wherein officers and sailors from various participating navies will board each other’s ships to understand operational practices and foster camaraderie.

• Curated visits for representatives from defence industries, aimed at promoting collaboration and showcasing India’s naval technological advancements.

These events are designed not only to bolster interoperability and maritime cooperation but also to establish enduring relationships across naval forces.

Public Outreach and Maritime Awareness

Recognizing the importance of public engagement and maritime education, guided ship tours have been planned for school children and local visitors. These tours will highlight the operational features of INS Kiltan and offer an immersive experience of naval life. Additionally, the Indian Navy aims to promote awareness of India’s rich maritime heritage and contemporary role as a security provider in the region.

Strategic Importance of IMDEX Asia

IMDEX Asia is one of the largest and most influential maritime defence exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific, bringing together naval leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across the globe. India’s regular participation in this event signifies its intent to remain an active and reliable partner in maintaining the stability of the Indo-Pacific. It also provides an important platform for the Indian Navy to display its blue-water capabilities and expand international cooperation.

Reinforcing India-Singapore Maritime Friendship

India and Singapore share a deep-rooted maritime history and strategic partnership. Frequent naval exchanges, coordinated patrols, and joint exercises such as SIMBEX (Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise) form the bedrock of their defence cooperation. The visit of INS Kiltan serves as yet another testament to this enduring friendship and to the shared commitment of both nations to uphold a rules-based maritime order.

As the world’s attention turns to IMDEX Asia 2025, India’s active presence through INS Kiltan is a clear signal of its proactive and constructive approach to regional and global maritime affairs.