India strengthened its international defense outreach during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, where Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh participated in multiple high-level meetings with senior officials from Canada, the United States, Singapore, Seychelles, and NATO. The discussions focused on expanding defense cooperation, addressing emerging security threats, and reinforcing strategic partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
One of the major meetings took place between Singh and Canada’s Senior Associate Deputy Minister of National Defence, Kelvin Brosseau. Both sides explored opportunities to deepen bilateral defense collaboration across several strategic sectors. Officials said the discussions reflected increasing alignment between India and Canada on shared security and geopolitical interests.
Singh also held talks with Seychelles Chief of Defence Forces Major General Micheal Rosette. The meeting focused on strengthening maritime security cooperation and expanding defense engagement in the Indian Ocean Region. India reiterated its commitment to regional stability, security, and cooperation with trusted partner nations.
In another important interaction, Singh met Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of NATO’s Military Committee. Their discussions centered on enhancing strategic dialogue and exchanging views on evolving global security challenges. Indian officials described the meeting as part of India’s broader effort to maintain constructive engagement with leading international defense organizations.
The Defense Secretary also met Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command. Both sides discussed strengthening military-to-military cooperation, enhancing collaboration in the Indo-Pacific, and addressing new security challenges affecting the region. The talks reinforced the growing strategic defense partnership between India and the United States.
Apart from bilateral engagements, Singh interacted with representatives from think tanks and academic institutions to discuss Indo-Pacific security architecture, defense industry partnerships, and emerging technology cooperation. During a keynote address on India’s defense diplomacy, he outlined the country’s vision for a stable, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
India also expanded defense engagement with Singapore during the summit. Earlier, Singh visited the Digital Operations Technology Centre of the Singapore Armed Forces, where he reviewed advanced digital warfare and intelligence systems. Officials stated that the visit provided valuable insights into Singapore’s technological capabilities and opened new possibilities for cooperation in advanced defense domains.
Additionally, Singh co-chaired the 16th Defense Policy Dialogue with Singapore’s Permanent Secretary for Defence, Joseph Leong. The discussions covered defense cooperation, strategic collaboration, and efforts to further strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries.
The Shangri-La Dialogue remains one of Asia’s leading security forums, bringing together defense ministers, military leaders, and policymakers from around the world to discuss regional and global security challenges.
