Singapore wants to train its armed forces in India, Govt
positive
AMITAV RANJAN
Posted online: Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at 0000 hrs IST
NEW DELHI, MAY 9
Departing from its policy of allowing only joint exercises, India
is preparing to open its terrain to Singapore by allowing it to
station and train its army here.
In return, not only does it get Singapores help to upgrade its
defence training facilities but also takes the relationship with
this key ASEAN member and economic powerhouse to a new, strategic
level.
After conducting two joint exercises with the Indian Army here,
Singapore has requested New Delhi to allow its armed forces to
shift personnel and equipment for two training stints of three
months each on a long-term basis.
Other than overcoming the limitations of land and airspace in
Singapore, the spacious and rough Indian terrain will allow the
island-nation to train Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in unfamiliar
and challenging environment, says its request.
In exchange for use of the facilities at Deolali and Babina during
February-April and October-December, Singapore is willing to
reimburse the costs as well as fund their upgradation.
The request has found favour with the Defence Ministry and will be
soon put up before the Cabinet Committee on Security for permission
under a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), said ministry
sources.
Other
