Three Bharatiya Naval Ships have made a significant arrival in Singapore as part of the operational deployment of the Navy’s Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea.
This deployment highlights the robust linkages between the Bharatiya and Singaporean navies. Led by Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankha, the ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan reached the city-state on Monday, marking a notable event in maritime cooperation between the two nations.
The visit falls within the framework of the “Op Deployment of #IndianNavy’s @IN_EasternFleet to the #SouthChinaSea,” as announced by the Bharatiya Navy spokesperson.
This development comes at a time of heightened tensions in the South China Sea, with China asserting its dominance in the region. Notably, the Chinese navy is currently engaged in a standoff with US-backed Philippines naval ships in the area.
The ongoing tension revolves around the Philippines’ efforts to assert its claim over the Second Thomas Shoal, a contested territory in the South China Sea.
China, which claims a significant portion of the region, vehemently opposes the Philippines’ actions. Other nations such as Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have counterclaims in the area, contributing to the complex geopolitical landscape of the South China Sea.
Upon their arrival, the three Bharatiya naval ships were warmly welcomed by personnel of the Singapore Navy and the High Commissioner of Bharat in Singapore. The Ministry of Defence in New Delhi emphasized that the visit aims to strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two maritime countries.
A series of engagements and activities are planned during the ships’ stay in the harbor, including interactions with the High Commission of Bharat, professional exchanges with the Republic of Singapore Navy, and community outreach initiatives.
The relationship between the Bharatiya and Singaporean navies has been characterized by robust cooperation spanning three decades. Regular visits, exchange of best practices, and reciprocal training arrangements have contributed to the strengthening of ties between the two navies.
The current deployment underscores the strong linkages between both maritime forces, reflecting their shared commitment to maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The arrival of Bharatiya Naval Ships in Singapore amid tensions in the South China Sea underscores the significance of maritime cooperation and security in the region.
The engagement between the Bharatiya and Singaporean navies signifies a commitment to upholding international law and promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
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