Gen J J Singh's visit reflects growing Indo-Singapore relations

Singapore, Mar 16 (UNI) Chief of the Army Staff General Joginder Jaswant Singh today called on Singapore's Acting Minister for Defence and Minister for Manpower Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence here today.

Gen Singh, who is on introductory visit to Singapore from March 15 to 18, also called on Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chiang Chie Foo, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Yat Chung and Chief of Army Major-General Desmond Kuek.

The General also visited the SAF Centre for Military Experimentation, and will be visiting the Basic Military Training Centre and Headquarters Singapore Artillery.

''General Singh's visit underscores the warm and growing defence relations between India and Singapore,'' said the Singapore Defence Ministry in a statement today.

''There are regular interactions between the Indian Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces. The two armies are currently conducting bilateral armour and artillery exercises in India from 4 February to 7 April 2006,'' it said.

The artillery exercise is being conducted about 200 km North-East of Mumbai at Devlali Field Firing Range, while the armour exercise is being held at Babina Field Firing Range, about 400 km South-East of New Delhi.

''These exercises provide the Singapore Army with a valuable opportunity to train alongside the Indian Army, and enhance mutual understanding and inter-operability between the two armies,'' the Ministry said.

The two armies also interact regularly through exchanges of visits, cross-attendance of courses and seminars, and other professional exchanges, it said.

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