India significantly expanded its defence diplomacy at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, engaging with multiple global partners to reinforce cooperation on regional security and strategic stability. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh represented India at the high-profile security forum, where he participated in a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings aimed at strengthening defence relations across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Among the key interactions, Singh met United States Congressman Pat Harrigan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, who led a bipartisan Congressional delegation. Their discussions focused on evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, expanding defence cooperation, and advancing shared strategic interests. Indian defence officials noted that the meeting reaffirmed the strength and continuity of India–US defence ties.
During the conference, Singh also held discussions with defence ministers from New Zealand and Singapore. These meetings emphasized the importance of deeper maritime cooperation, enhanced information-sharing systems, and coordinated efforts to ensure a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region. Both sides highlighted the need for collective action to address emerging security concerns.
In Singapore, Singh also met President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during an official reception at the Istana. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral strategic relations and identifying new areas for collaboration between India and Singapore.
Expanding engagement with European partners, the Defence Secretary met Sweden’s State Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Peter Sandwall. The talks explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in defence technology, innovation, and capability development. Singh also met the Netherlands Chief of Defence General Onno Eichelsheim, where both sides discussed military exchange programs, joint training exercises, and enhanced operational coordination.
Further discussions were held with senior representatives from the European External Action Service and the European Union Military Committee. These engagements focused on shared security concerns and the potential for strengthening India–EU defence cooperation across multiple strategic areas.
Singh also met Netherlands Defence Minister Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, where both sides discussed expanding defence collaboration and exploring opportunities in the defence industrial sector. In addition, he held talks with Australia’s Defence Secretary Meghan Quinn to review progress under the India–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore further avenues for defence cooperation.
India’s participation at the Shangri-La Dialogue underscored its growing role in global security discussions and its commitment to building stronger defence partnerships across regions to support a stable and secure international order.
