India, Singapore extend military training agreement

[arp2041]

India and Singapore Wednesday signed three key agreements including one on continuing the military training that Indian armed forces extend to their Singaporean counterparts.

The agreements were signed to coincide with the state visit of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and after the two leaders met for formal talks.

One agreement was signed by Indian Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma and Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo.

India is already training the Singaporean air force personnel at the Kalaikunda air base in West Bengal where the city state has permanently placed its air assets for training purposes.

"Prime Minister Lee and I have decided to step up bilateral cooperation and exchanges in the fields of defence and security. To this end, we have just signed a memorandum of understanding to renew the bilateral arrangement between our air forces on joint training and exercises," Manmohan Singh said in a statement to the media.

On the occasion, the two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian labour and employment ministry and Singapore's education ministry concerning cooperation in the field of vocational education and skills development.

The MoU was signed by Indian Labour Minister Malikarjun Kharge and Singapore Education Minister Heng Swee Keat.

Another MoU signed was between the Delhi government's training and technical education department and Singapore's Institute of Technical Education on cooperation in the field of vocational education and skills development.

The memorandum was signed by Delhi Chief Secretary Praveen Kumar Tripathi and the Singapore institution's Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Development) Benjamin Tan.

The agreement will facilitate the setting up of a greenfield world class centre in Delhi to provide state-of-the-art facility for skills development.

Describing Lee's visit to India as "a milestone" in the bilateral relations, Singh said India will host the India-ASEAN commemorative summit later this year to mark two decades of the relations and expressed delight over Lee agreeing to visit India on that occasion.

India and Singapore had signed a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, which was the first agreement of its kind that India had signed with any other country, in 2005 during Lee's visit then.

"Singapore is a close friend and valued regional partner for India. Our relations are broad-based and multi-faceted. They are underpinned by a confluence of interests spanning political, economic, cultural, defence and security issues," Singh said, describing his discussion with Lee as "very fruitful".

Singapore, being India's foremost trading partner in ASEAN, is also a major source of FDI inflows into India.

"I welcomed additional Singapore investment into India, particularly in the infrastructure sector, where Singapore has great expertise.

"We agreed to expedite the conclusion of the ongoing second Review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement that would further facilitate trade in goods, services and investment," Singh added.

India, Singapore extend military training agreement

 

[SLIM]

India-Singapore Friendship

 

[GR!FF!N]

I heard that Singapore deployed a lot of hardware in India(F-16,tanks etc) for training and and to keep safe against any 1st strike..is that true??can any member confirm that???

 

[arp2041]

I heard that Singapore deployed a lot of hardware in India(F-16,tanks etc) for training and and to keep safe against any 1st strike..is that true??can any member confirm that???

Yes, Singapore do use IAF base (Kalaikonda air base in West Bengal) given on a long term lease, for there F-16s since there is limited land available in Singapore, it was a win-win situation for both since Singapore is getting much needed training & other facilities from the 4th largest air force in the world & IAF getting hands on F-16s which PAF has.

+ it also helps in India's look east policy & keeping an eye on China since Singapore sits on all important malacca strait.

 

[Tridibans]

I am pretty sure the native Singaporean PDF'ians won't post on this thread

 

[GR!FF!N]

Yes, Singapore do use IAF base (Kalaikonda air base in West Bengal) given on a long term lease, for there F-16s since there is limited land available in Singapore, it was a win-win situation for both since Singapore is getting much needed training & other facilities from the 4th largest air force in the world & IAF getting hands on F-16s which PAF has.

+ it also helps in India's look east policy & keeping an eye on China since Singapore sits on all important malacca strait.

actually i knew it(since Kalaikunda is in our state),but never found a link on that..can you post few link on that??and what about other hardware???tanks??AFV??i saw few of them in joint Indo-singapore exercise..and i heard India often holds this kind of exercise with Singapore..

 

[timetravel]

I am pretty sure the native Singaporean PDF'ians won't post on this thread

u have reason to beleive they are genuinely Singaporean.. !!

 

[ahfatzia]

Singapore, being a small city state, is friend to everybody and enemy to none, and has military exercise deals with both India and Taiwan. I believe we do park some of our hardware in both countries.

 

[RISING SUN]

It's an old news but worth mentioning here.
China warns officials against future visits to Taiwan
Agence France Presse
August 26, 2004
SINGAPORE
CHINA has warned Singapore officials against visiting Taiwan again after a "private and unofficial" trip by the city-state's new leader just weeks before he took office strained ties with Beijing.
In a statement carried Thursday, Aug 26. by Singapore's Straits Times, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan reacted to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's reaffirmation of his government's "one China" policy.
"We have noted that Singapore's new leader reiterated in his speech (on August 22) that Singapore holds firmly to the one-China policy and is resolutely opposed to Taiwan independence," Kong said.
"We are resolutely opposed to leaders of countries with diplomatic ties with China visiting Taiwan in any capacity and sending any wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces," he said.
The Chinese official said Lee's declaration "is in line with Singapore's interests and the common view of the international community, and will benefit peace and stability in the region."
In his first policy speech delivered last Sunday, Lee, who had visited Taiwan in July to assess the situation before being sworn in as prime minister on August 12, warned Taipei against provoking Beijing by pushing for independence.
"The cross-straits situation is potentially the most dangerous problem in the region," said Lee, a former Singapore Armed Forces brigadier-general.
"My assessment after visiting Taiwan is that there is a real risk of miscalculation and mishap," he added.
"If Taiwan goes for independence, Singapore will not recognise it. In fact no Asian country will recognise it. Nor will European countries. China will fight. Win or lose, Taiwan will be devastated," Lee said.
Chinese state media said earlier this month that talks with Singapore on a free-trade deal may be delayed as a result of Lee's Taiwan visit. Lee has said both sides would lose if the trip was allowed to affect bilateral relations.
But there have been signs of a thaw.
Chinese Ambassador to Singapore Zhang Yun said last week that bilateral relations were expected to strengthen as more Chinese businessmen set up operations in Singapore.
China regards Taiwan as part of its territory waiting to be reunified by force if necessary. The two sides split at the end of a civil war in 1949.
Singapore, a largely ethnic Chinese nation, has positioned itself as a neutral friend to both Beijing and Taipei, investing heavily in the mainland while maintaining economic and military training links with Taiwan.
http://www.singapore-window.org/sw04/040826a2.htm:smitten:

The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Singapore have been traditionally strong, with both nations enjoying extensive cultural and commercial relations. In recent years, India and Singapore have signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to increase trade, investments and economic cooperation and expanded bilateral cooperation on maritime security, training forces, conducting joint exercises, developing military technology and fighting terrorism.

The bilateral relations between the Republic of India and the Republic of Singapore have been traditionally strong, with both nations enjoying extensive cultural and commercial relations. In recent years, India and Singapore have signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to increase trade, investments and economic cooperation and expanded bilateral cooperation on maritime security, training forces, conducting joint exercises, developing military technology and fighting terrorism.

India and Singapore share long-standing cultural, commercial and strategic relations, with Singapore being a part of the "Greater India" cultural and commercial region. More than 300,000 people of Indian origin live in Singapore. Following its independence in 1965, Singapore was concerned with China-backed communist threats as well as domination from Malaysia and Indonesia and sought a close strategic relationship with India, which it saw as a counter-balance to Chinese influence and a partner in achieving regional security. Singapore had always been an important strategic trading post, giving India trade access to the Malay archipelago and the Far East. Their relationship expanded significantly in the 1990s; Singapore was one of the first to respond to India's "Look East" Policy of expanding its economic, cultural and strategic ties in Southeast Asia to strengthen its standing as a regional power.

India and Singapore share long-standing cultural, commercial and strategic relations, with Singapore being a part of the "Greater India" cultural and commercial region. More than 300,000 people of Indian origin live in Singapore. Following its independence in 1965, Singapore was concerned with China-backed communist threats as well as domination from Malaysia and Indonesia and sought a close strategic relationship with India, which it saw as a counter-balance to Chinese influence and a partner in achieving regional security. Singapore had always been an important strategic trading post, giving India trade access to the Malay archipelago and the Far East. Their relationship expanded significantly in the 1990s; Singapore was one of the first to respond to India's "Look East" Policy of expanding its economic, cultural and strategic ties in Southeast Asia to strengthen its standing as a regional power.

 

[RISING SUN]

Ever since Singapore's independence, both nations have maintained high-level contacts. Between 1966 and 1971 the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew visited India three times (1966, 1970 and 1971). The then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Singapore in 1968, as did Indian leader Morarji Desai. Singapore is supporting India's bid to become a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council and expand its role and influence in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Singapore also supported India in its war against Pakistan in 1965 and the Kashmir conflict.
In 2003, India and Singapore signed a bilateral agreement on expanding military cooperation, conducting joint military training, developing military technology and achieving maritime security. The Singaporean Navy and the Indian Navy have conducted joint naval exercises and training since 1993 such as SIMBEX and MILAN near India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands. India and Singapore have also expanded their cooperation in fighting terrorism.
Commerce
Singapore is the 8th largest source of investment in India and the largest amongst ASEAN member nations. It is also India's 9th biggest trading partner as of 2005-06. Its cumulative investment in India totals USD 3 billion as of 2006 and is expected to rise to US 5 billion by 2010 and US 10 billion by 2015. India's economic liberalisation and its "Look East" policy have led to a major expansion in bilateral trade, which grew from USD 2.2 billion in 2001 to US 9-10 billion in 2006 - a 400% growth in span of five years - and to USD 50 billion by 2010. Singapore accounts for 38% of India's trade with ASEAN member nations and 3.4% of its total foreign trade. India’s main exports to Singapore in 2005 included petroleum, gemstones, jewellery, machinery and its imports from Singapore included electronic goods, organic chemicals and metals. More than half of Singapore’s exports to India are basically "re-exports" - items that had been imported from India. In 2005, both nations signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and have organised the India-Singapore Parliamentary Forum and the Singapore-India Partnership foundation with active support from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Singapore Business Federation to promote trade, economic development and partnerships. [2][1][3] The CECA eliminated tariff barriers, double taxation, duplicate processes and regulations and provided unhindered access and cooperation between the banks and financial institutions of Singapore and India. The CECA also advanced bilateral cooperation over education, science and technology, intellectual property, aviation and relaxed visa regulations for Indian professionals in information technology, medicine, engineering and financial fields to emigrate and work in Singapore. Singapore has invested in projects to upgrade India's ports, airports and developing information technology parks and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). India has become Singapore's 4th biggest tourist destination and more than 650,000 Indians visited Singapore in 2006. Both nations have worked to collaborate on aviation, aerospace engineering, space programmes, information technology, biotechnology and energy.

 

[RISING SUN]

Asia Times Online :: South Asia news, business and economy from India and Pakistan
India, Singapore ink pact
By Indrajit Basu
KOLKATA - In their first experiment of economic cooperation, Singapore and India formally entered into an agreement this week, with the two respective prime ministers signing a pact that has a mouthful of a name, the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). This formal pact ends a courtship lasting almost a decade, including two years of hard negotiations, which frequently raised doubts about whether the two countries would ever get to sign the CECA at all.

After Kalaikunda, Singapore to train at Indian Army firing ranges
After allowing Singapore to use IAF’s Kalaikunda airbase and nearby firing ranges to train its pilots, India has signed another agreement with the country permitting it the use of Babina and Deolali firing ranges for armour and artillery exercises.
The agreement, signed by Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and Permanent Secretary (Defence) Chiang Chie Foo here on Tuesday, will allow Singapore to train its ground forces in India for the next five years.
Significantly, in a first, India has also allowed Singapore to station a small detachment of Army personnel and equipment (Artillery Guns and Tanks) at the Babina and Deolali ranges on a permanent basis for the duration of the agreement. “The agreement provides for temporary detachment of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel for a maximum period of eight weeks, up to two times a year. However, small detachments not exceeding eight personnel from SAF may be allowed to stay with their equipment stationed in India,” the Defence Ministry spokesperson said.
Under the agreement, India will provide firing range facilities and infrastructure to SAF for the purpose of joint military training and exercises. While the MoD did not specify the amount, Singapore will pay India for the use of the ranges by its Armed Forces.The Ministry spokesperson said that besides the bilateral agreement, the two sides also signed associated protocols on training, administration and logistics and financial arrangements. The agreement comes into effect from Tuesday and shall remain in force for a period of five years.
In October last year, the Government signed a crucial defence agreement with Singapore allowing it to use the Kalaikunda airbase to train its pilots. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), plagued with a shortage of air space and training assets, had been visiting the West Bengal airbase regularly for joint exercises.
After Kalaikunda, Singapore to train at Indian Army firing ranges - Indian Express

Deal inked, Singapore to use Bengal airbase for F-16 training
In a move that is likely to raise hackles of the Left parties, the Government on Tuesday signed a crucial defence agreement with Singapore allowing it to use the Kalaikunda airbase and nearby firing ranges to train its pilots.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), plagued with a shortage of air space and training assets, has been visiting the West Bengal airbase regularly for joint exercises, but this is the first time that a “long term arrangement” to use Indian facilities for training has been formalised.
Deal inked, Singapore to use Bengal airbase for F-16 training - Indian Express

India, Singapore sign military training deal
New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) India and Singapore Wednesday signed three key bilateral agreements that included one on continuing the military training that Indian armed forces extend to their Singaporean counterparts.
The agreements were signed to coincide with the state visit of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to India at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and after the two leaders met for formal talks.
The agreement was signed by Indian Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma and Singapore's Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo.
India is already training the Singaporean air force at the Kalaikunda air base in West Bengal, where the city state has permanently placed its air assets for training purposes.
The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian labour and employment ministry and Singapore's education ministry for cooperation in vocational education and skills development.
The MoU was signed by Indian Labour Minister Malikarjun Kharge and Singapore Education Minister Heng Swee Keat.
Another pact was signed between the Delhi government's training and technical education department and Singapore's Institute of Technical Education in the field of vocational education and skills development.
The agreement will facilitate the setting up of a greenfield world class centre here to provide state-of-the-art facility for skills development.
India, Singapore sign military training deal

 

[RISING SUN]

Big bully is gonna fart anytime soon. Waiting for megaton nuclear bomb,CJ 803 nuclear tipped missiles,bomber,anti Carier missile,ASAT,ballistic missile. Is the world going to end. Oh no!!!!!!!!! I forgot it's 2012.

 

[manofwar]

Singapore, being a small city state, is friend to everybody and enemy to none, and has military exercise deals with both India and Taiwan. I believe we do park some of our hardware in both countries.

I guess your guys do come too train and stuff, but SG doesn't have a permanent base or anything, just permanent training facilities...

 

[RISING SUN]

Singapore, being a small city state, is friend to everybody and enemy to none, and has military exercise deals with both India and Taiwan. I believe we do park some of our hardware in both countries.

To whom you are making fool or making foolishness of yourself?
1-Singapore always send military & support infrastructure in ROC. While PRC is saying to stop it but Singapore neglect it each & every time. China is furious over Singapore. I visited Chinese forum 4 days earlier where I saw comments of Chinese members. Believe me. It was disgusting to read. How can anyone go for to malign a country name.

Singapore, being a small city state, is friend to everybody and enemy to none, and has military exercise deals with both India and Taiwan. I believe we do park some of our hardware in both countries.

2- You are HAN Chinese that's why you don't know much about Singapore. Singaporeans hate Malay people. There is great distrust in Singapore people. That's why they don't believe in Malaysia & Indonesia. You don't know anything about Singapore otherwise why Singapore naval units evicted Malaysian Prime minister. It was claimed by both but Singapore Won. Even you don't have a identity. That's why you are roaming on PDF with Singapore colors.

Singapore has stationing & birthing rights in INDIA,Australia,US,Republic Of China,France.

In India they can park their fighter jets permanently. Full army for 2 months/year(What will Chinese bully think of it,Singapore beware of megaton bomb dropping by Martian,Sino challenged). Small detachment for life time.ground & air based weapons for lifetime.(Oops it will be for, let me guess, will tell you latter).

 

[ahfatzia]

1) You are saying China hates Singapore because the forum bashing? Well let me tell you, no Chinese here bash me yet, so don't use your personal experiences to justify your claims here because no one can proof them. If China hate us so much why she allows us to invest our biggest portion of our investment portfolio there? Have you ever heard of a city in China build on the model of Singapore?

2) You're not Singaporean so don't tell us who we hate and and should hate. BTW don't me who am I.


@ Manofwar:

Singapore has no base anywhere and we don't need one, however we do leave(park) some training hardware and equipments at the training facilities of a host country instead of moving them back and forth.