Article Posted on : - Feb 14, 2012

NEW DELHI (PTI): Looking forward to enhance defence cooperation with Singapore, a delegation comprising senior officials from Defence Ministry and the armed forces headed by the IAF chief is on a four-day visit to the island nation.

Led by Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne, the Composite Defence Delegation also comprises of Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) Chief Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, officials said here Monday.

During the visit, the two sides will discuss a wide range of bilateral issues on ongoing defence cooperation between them and scope for further expanding it, the officials said.

The Indian delegation would also attend the Singapore Air Show slated to take place from February 14 to 17.

Besides calling on Singapore Minister of State for Defence Lawrence Wong, Browne would visit Air Combat Command of Singapore Air Force and would meet its Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong.

He will also meet the Singapore Air Force Chief Major General Ng Chee Meng.

Next month, the armies of Singapore and India will also conduct their annual war games codenamed as 'Exercise Bold Kurukshetra' at Babina in Uttar Pradesh.

The two sides will field their mechanised forces in the training engagement and Singapore Army will bring its own tanks for the purpose.

India and Singapore had a few years ago signed an agreement for expanding military cooperation, conducting joint military training, developing military technology and achieving maritime security.

The Singapore and the Indian Navy have also conducted joint naval exercises and training such as SIMBEX and MILAN near India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

India and Singapore have also expanded their cooperation in fighting terrorism.