In a significant display of maritime diplomacy, the Indian Navy’s INS Kiltan arrived at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base to participate in the International Maritime Defence Expo (IMDEX-25), held from May 6 to May 8, 2025. The port call symbolizes the strengthening naval cooperation between India and Singapore and reaffirms India’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
INS Kiltan, an advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette of the Kamorta class, is a testament to India’s strides in indigenous defence production, with nearly 90% of its systems locally developed. Measuring 109 meters in length, the vessel is equipped for modern warfare scenarios, including nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
The ship’s arrival was marked by a warm welcome from the Republic of Singapore Navy. During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Kiltan paid homage at the Kranji War Memorial, laying a wreath in honor of the Allied soldiers, including Indian servicemen, who sacrificed their lives during World War II.
This visit follows the trajectory of deepening India-Singapore defence ties, characterized by joint naval exercises, strategic dialogues, and operational deployments such as the 2024 deployment of INS Delhi, INS Shakti, and INS Kiltan to the South China Sea. Singapore continues to be a vital maritime partner for India, aligned with India’s 2015 Maritime Strategy which underscores collaboration to ensure regional security and stability.
Beyond defence, India and Singapore have expanded bilateral cooperation through agreements like the Direct Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and recent MoUs in digital innovation, semiconductors, and health. The participation of INS Kiltan in IMDEX-25 not only highlights India’s naval prowess but also reaffirms its commitment to building enduring partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
