Gen Bikram Singh makes maiden visit to Singapore to boost military ties

SINGAPORE: Indian Army Chief General Bikram Singh on Tuesday met Singapore's top defence leadership during his maiden visit to the country to boost military ties.

Gen Singh, who is here on a three-day visit, earlier met with his Singaporean counterpart Major-General Ravinder Singh after inspecting the Guard of Honour. He then met Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen at his office.

As part of his first trip to Singapore since he acquired office, Gen Singh would also visit the Multi-Mission Range Complex, Headquarters (HQ) 3rd Division and HQ Armour.

Gen Singh's visit underscores the warm and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and India, the Defence Ministry here said in a statement.

The Singapore Army and the Indian Army regularly conduct bilateral armour and artillery exercises together. Both the armies will conduct an armour exercise at Babina Field Firing Range in India in March, it said.

"Both armies also interact regularly through professional exchanges, visits and cross-attendance of courses.

"These interactions provide the Singapore Army with a valuable opportunity to train alongside the Indian Army and enhance mutual understanding and inter-operability between the armed forces of both countries," the statement said.