Article Posted on : - May 02, 2018

Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman meets Singapores Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Yeng Kit at South Block in New Delhi on Tuesday. A PTI Photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): India and Singapore have discussed ways to boost defence and security cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain.

Several key issues relating to defence ties figured during Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's meeting with Singapore's Permanent Secretary of Defence Chan Yang Kit on Tuesday, officials said.

It is learnt that the issue of implementation of an agreement to deepen bilateral maritime security cooperation in strategically key sea lanes and access each other's naval bases also figured during the discussion.

In November last year, the two countries had inked the pact under which Singapore will provide its naval bases for refuelling and berthing of Indian ships, which is expected to add teeth to India's operational reach in Malacca Strait and nearby areas.

Under provision of the pact, India will provide logistics support to Singapore including live firing drills in the Andaman.