Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh on Sunday held discussions with US Congressman Pat Harrigan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, who led a bipartisan US Congressional Delegation on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

The meeting reaffirmed the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States, underscoring their shared commitment to regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the talks were described as productive, focusing on regional security, expanding defence cooperation, and advancing shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. 

The interaction was highlighted as a reaffirmation of the strength of the India–US defence partnership, with exchanges centred on enhancing collaboration and addressing common challenges in the region.

India’s engagements at the Shangri-La Dialogue extended beyond the United States. Defence Secretary Singh also held high-level discussions with New Zealand’s Defence Minister Chris Penk and Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.

These interactions focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties, enhancing maritime cooperation, advancing information-sharing mechanisms, and reaffirming a shared commitment to a secure, stable, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

On Saturday, Singh met Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Istana reception hosted on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue. Their discussions centred on strengthening bilateral strategic ties and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The meeting underscored the importance of India’s defence diplomacy in Singapore, a key partner in the region.

Singh also engaged with Sweden’s State Secretary to the Minister of Defence, Peter Sandwall, where discussions focused on strengthening India-Sweden defence engagement and exploring opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation. Particular emphasis was placed on defence technology and innovation, reflecting India’s interest in expanding collaboration in advanced defence sectors.

Additionally, Singh held bilateral discussions with the Chief of Defence of the Netherlands, General Onno Eichelsheim. These talks focused on expanding military exchange programs and bilateral training events, further deepening India’s defence ties with European partners.

The engagements highlighted India’s proactive outreach to strengthen defence cooperation with a diverse set of international partners during the Shangri-La Dialogue.

The series of meetings demonstrated India’s strategic intent to broaden its defence partnerships across regions, reinforcing its role as a key player in shaping the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific.

By engaging with the United States, New Zealand, Singapore, Sweden, and the Netherlands, India underscored its commitment to building resilient defence networks and advancing shared interests in stability, security, and innovation.

Agencies