India-Singapore defence cooperation: Exercise Bold Kurukshetra commences in Jodhpur today

"The exercise will witness the participation of the 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment of the 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade and the Indian Army’s Mechanised Infantry Regiment," read a government statement.

The exercise will be conducted as a Table Top Exercise and Computer-Based Wargame, aimed at validating operational procedures for mechanised warfare.

It will culminate in an equipment display by the Indian Army.

Objective of the exercise

The objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and joint training capabilities of both armies under United Nations mandate, thereby strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

"The opening ceremony will be marked by participation of senior officers from both sides. Colonel Arjun Ganapathi, Commanding Officer of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, will lead the Indian contingent, while Lieutenant Colonel Khiew Zhi Yoong, Battalion Commander of the 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment, will head the Singaporean side," read the statement.

Brigadier Pritam, Commander of 340 (I) Mechanised Brigade, and Colonel Wong Zeng Yu, Commander of the 4 Singapore Armoured Brigade, will be present as chief guests.

A symbolic handing over of the Regimental Flag by the 42 Singapore Armoured Regiment to the Indian contingent will also take place, signifying the formal transfer of command to the Indian formation for the duration of the exercise.

Exercise Bold Kurukshetra 2025 will further consolidate the strong defence ties between India and Singapore and foster greater mutual understanding and collaboration at both tactical and strategic levels.

India-Singapore Relationship

India-Singapore relations were elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Singapore in September 2024.

With shared history, long tradition of friendship based on trust and mutual respect, and extensive cooperation across a wide range of areas, India-Singapore cooperation has deepened and diversified over the years. 

India and Singapore have several structured defence interactions, spanning from political leadership down to staff levels of all three-armed forces, D/o Defence Production and DRDO. Defence Minister of Singapore Dr Ng Eng Hen visited India on 21-23 October 2024 for the 6th round of Defence Ministers’ Dialogue.

15th round of Defence Policy Dialogue (Secretary level) was held in November 2023 in New Delhi. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar visited Singapore in May 2023.