Singapore – Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, addressed trainees on board the Indian Navy ships INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Veera during a reception at the Changi Naval Base on Saturday. The event celebrated the ships’ visit as part of their long-range deployment to Southeast Asia and reinforced the strengthening maritime ties between India and Singapore.
Speaking to over 100 guests, including dignitaries from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Ambule emphasized the importance of the trainees’ engagement with friendly countries in the region. He noted that their exposure to diverse social, cultural, and military environments during the voyage would be invaluable. “These engagements will provide tangible exposure for the trainees on board and offer them a unique opportunity to understand social, cultural, and military linkages between our two countries, the Indian Ocean region, and beyond,” said Ambule.
The reception marked a special milestone for both countries, as 2025 celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore. “Singapore happens to be a significant port of call for our training squadron, not only from the point of view of maritime experiences but, most significantly, as an embodiment of the long journey our two nations have undertaken together,” Ambule added.
To commemorate the occasion, the High Commissioner presented a cake titled “Building Bridges of Friendship,” which was shared among the trainees, officers of the Indian Navy, and the invited guests. The ships, which arrived at Changi Base on Thursday, were scheduled to continue their journey on Sunday morning.
As part of their annual training mission, the ships are on a long-range deployment to Southeast Asia. Ambule highlighted that Singapore has been a key destination for Indian naval and coast guard ships, further solidifying the significance of the country as a crucial port of call.
Ambule also expressed his gratitude to the Republic of Singapore Navy for their support of the visit and wished for the continued strengthening of the naval partnership between the two nations. “I earnestly wish continued momentum for the partnership between the Indian and Singapore navies,” he remarked.
The visit featured various activities aimed at enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and RSN, including professional exchanges, cross-training visits, and friendly sports fixtures. These engagements are seen as part of the broader commitment to India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, which seeks to bolster maritime security and growth in the Indo-Pacific region.
During the visit, the High Commissioner was briefed on the training activities undertaken by the Squadron and took the opportunity to interact with the sea trainees. He emphasized the crucial role of the Indian Navy in fostering maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Additionally, the senior officer of the First Training Squadron (1TS), along with the commanding officers of INS Sujata and ICGS Veera, visited Col Rinson Chua Hon Liat, Commander of the Maritime Training and Doctrine Centre (MTDC), where discussions were held on mutual maritime interests.
The ongoing engagement between the two countries’ navies underscores the deepening maritime partnership between India and Singapore, reflecting shared commitments to regional security and cooperation.