The upcoming bilateral military exercise “Agni Warrior 2024” between India and Singapore is set to take place at the Devlali Field Firing Ranges in Maharashtra from November 28 to November 30. This exercise, part of an ongoing professional military collaboration, aims to enhance interactions between the artillery units of both nations. The details were recently disclosed via a post on X by the Additional Directorate General of Public Information, Indian Army Headquarters.
Agni Warrior 2024 intends to showcase joint firepower planning and execution, utilizing New Generation Equipment by the artillery arms of both armies. It will feature participation from both sides in a joint computer war-game as part of the planning process. Furthermore, expert academic discussions are planned to focus on modern trends in artillery and the refinement of artillery planning procedures. The overall goal is to foster mutual understanding of drills and procedures, thereby enhancing interoperability between the two military forces.
The exercise is not solely focused on military tactics; it is also designed to facilitate cultural exchanges, thereby reinforcing the diplomatic and social ties between India and Singapore. This initiative follows closely on the heels of a visit by Singapore’s Minister of Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, to India, where he co-chaired the sixth India-Singapore Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi. This discussion, held with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, underscored the commitment of both nations to deepen their defence collaboration.
As both countries approach the landmark of 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, discussions between the defence ministers have yielded agreements to further bolster this cooperation and pursue new milestones. They have consented to extend the bilateral agreement on Joint Military Training for an additional five years, highlighting a shared commitment to enhance industry cooperation in defence sectors, particularly in niche areas such as automation and artificial intelligence.
The Ministry of External Affairs has pointed out that the relationship between India and Singapore has been elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024. With a rich history and a long-standing tradition of friendship rooted in trust and mutual respect, the ties between the two nations have continuously expanded and diversified across various domains.
This upcoming exercise not only represents a tactical exchange between the two military forces but also signifies the ongoing commitment of both nations to regional security and stability, promoting mutual trust and camaraderie in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
