Why in news?
India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh took part in the 2026 Shangri‑La Dialogue in Singapore. During the conference he held a series of bilateral meetings with officials from Canada, Seychelles, NATO, the United States and Singapore to strengthen defence cooperation and maritime security. These engagements underscore India’s active role in the region’s security discourse.
Background
The Shangri‑La Dialogue is an annual inter‑governmental security conference organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in Singapore since 2002. As a so‑called “track‑one” forum it brings together defence ministers, chiefs of staff and senior officials from the Indo‑Pacific and beyond to discuss strategic challenges. The event offers plenary debates as well as opportunities for bilateral and multilateral meetings. Over the years it has become the principal platform for Asia‑Pacific security dialogue and confidence‑building.
Key Indian engagements in 2026
- Deepening bilateral ties: Mr. Singh met Canada’s senior official Kelvin Brosseau to explore ways of expanding defence cooperation. Discussions covered maritime security, training exchanges and defence industry opportunities.
- Strengthening maritime security: In a meeting with Seychelles’ Chief of Defence Forces Major General Micheal Rosette he reiterated India’s commitment to support Seychelles in coastal surveillance, hydrographic surveys and capacity building to secure the western Indian Ocean.
- Engaging multilateral partners: Discussions with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chair of the NATO Military Committee, focused on enhancing strategic dialogue and exchanging best practices in maritime domain awareness. A meeting with Admiral Samuel J. Paparo, Commander of the US Indo‑Pacific Command, addressed cooperation in joint exercises and emerging security challenges such as cyber and space threats.
- Policy dialogue with Singapore: Mr. Singh co‑chaired the 16th Defence Policy Dialogue with Singapore’s Permanent Secretary Joseph Leong. The two sides reviewed ongoing initiatives, including joint training and industrial collaboration, and agreed to expand cooperation into new domains like digital defence and artificial intelligence.
- Technology and think‑tank outreach: He also met representatives of regional think tanks and visited Singapore’s Digital and Intelligence Service technology centre to explore avenues for digital cooperation.
Conclusion
India’s busy schedule at the Shangri‑La Dialogue reflects its growing engagement with partners across the Indo‑Pacific. By combining bilateral meetings with participation in broader security discussions, New Delhi seeks to strengthen defence ties, promote maritime safety and contribute to a rules‑based regional order.