Eastern Fleet's Singapore Visit Reinforces Maritime Diplomacy and Regional Security

A powerful maritime contingent of the Indian Navy comprising frontline warships INS Delhi, INS Shakti, INS Satpura, and INS Kiltan, concluded a significant port call to Singapore from 16 to 19 July 2025 as part of the Indian Navy’s ongoing Operational Deployment to South East Asia. Under the leadership of Rear Admiral Susheel Menon, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet (FOCEF), the visit marked a renewed affirmation of India’s enduring maritime partnerships and strategic outreach in the Indo-Pacific region.

Strengthening Naval Diplomacy and Regional Dialogue

During the port call, Rear Admiral Susheel Menon held formal interactions with the High Commissioner of India to Singapore and the Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). These meetings served as a platform to discuss future avenues for deepening naval cooperation, including joint exercises, maritime domain awareness initiatives, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) collaboration.

In addition, FOCEF engaged in informal discussions with members of Singapore’s academic and strategic community, sharing the Indian Navy’s evolving perspective on maritime security dynamics, emerging regional threats, and India’s role in ensuring a stable Indo-Pacific.

This outreach to the strategic and academic fraternity highlighted India's holistic approach to maritime engagement—one that combines defence diplomacy with strategic thought leadership.

Honouring Shared History and Sacrifice

A solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Kranji War Memorial underscored the historical ties between India and Singapore. Commanding Officers of the visiting ships paid tribute to Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War II, reaffirming shared values of honour, sacrifice, and mutual respect. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the enduring historical bond that connects both nations beyond contemporary naval cooperation.

Boosting Operational Interoperability and Naval Synergy

A series of professional interactions took place between personnel of the Indian Navy and their Singaporean counterparts. These included:

• Cross-deck visits aboard each other’s warships.

• Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) focused on operational strategies, logistics, communications, and joint mission planning.

• Friendly sports fixtures, fostering camaraderie and trust.

Such engagements not only build mutual understanding and trust but also enhance the interoperability that is crucial during joint operations in areas such as anti-piracy, HADR, and search-and-rescue missions in the region.

Celebrating People-to-People Maritime Bonds

A deck reception onboard INS Shakti served as a diplomatic and cultural highlight of the visit. The event witnessed the presence of Republic of Singapore Navy officers, members of the Indian diplomatic community, eminent local dignitaries, and representatives of the Indian diaspora in Singapore.

The reception provided an opportunity to showcase India’s growing naval capability and global maritime vision while strengthening people-to-people and diplomatic ties.

Vision SAGAR and the Indo-Pacific Outlook

This port call forms part of India's larger strategic narrative in the Indo-Pacific, rooted in the vision of SAGAR—Security and Growth for All in the Region. Through such operational deployments, the Indian Navy projects not only its blue-water capabilities but also its intent to be a net security provider, fostering peace, stability, and cooperative maritime governance in Southeast Asia.

The Eastern Fleet’s presence in Singapore serves as a tangible expression of India’s maritime diplomacy—backed by capability, guided by strategy, and driven by regional cooperation.

As the Indian Naval ships set sail for the next leg of their deployment, they carry forward the legacy of shared security, mutual respect, and regional solidarity, reinforcing India’s enduring role in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.