According to the Ministry of Defence, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh engaged with leading think tanks and academic institutions, focusing on Indo-Pacific security architecture, defence industrial cooperation and emerging technology partnerships. He addressed a prominent gathering on the theme “India’s Defence Diplomacy for a Stable, Secure and Inclusive Indo-Pacific,” outlining India’s strategic approach to regional stability and cooperative security frameworks. Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule was also present during the interaction.
On the sidelines of the dialogue, Singh held detailed discussions with Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. The discussions focused on expanding military-to-military cooperation, enhancing collaboration across the Indo-Pacific region and addressing emerging security challenges, underscoring the deepening strategic defence partnership between India and the United States.
India also extended its diplomatic defence engagement to NATO leadership during the event. Singh met with Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, exchanging views on evolving regional and global security dynamics. The engagement highlighted India’s continued interaction with major multilateral defence institutions.
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth arrived in Singapore to participate in the Shangri-La Dialogue, one of the region’s most influential defence and security forums. According to the United States Department of War, this marks his fourth visit to the Indo-Pacific region. During his visit, he is scheduled to meet Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, in addition to participating in bilateral and multilateral engagements with regional allies and partners. He is also expected to deliver keynote remarks outlining Washington’s strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles is also attending the summit ahead of his upcoming India visit. He is expected to participate in discussions on maritime security and hold meetings with defence counterparts across the region.
Organised annually by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the Shangri-La Dialogue remains Asia’s premier defence and security summit, bringing together defence ministers, military officials, policymakers and global experts to deliberate on pressing regional and international security challenges.
The series of engagements underscores India’s expanding defence diplomacy footprint and its active role in shaping a stable, secure and inclusive Indo-Pacific strategic order amid intensifying global geopolitical competition.
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