New Delhi - India has signed a pact with Singapore to provide the island nation with land, airspace and airbases for training of its air force personnel on a payment basis, officials and news reports said Wednesday. An Indian defence ministry spokesman said the agreement was signed by Defence Secretary Vijay Singh and Singapore's Permanent Secretary of Defence Chiang Chie Foo at the India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue which began in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The five-year-long pact will allow for joint training and exercises between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
The Hindu newspaper reported that the Kalaikunda base in eastern India will be the hub of operations for the two air forces. The IAF base which is located in the state of West Bengal has been developed recently for conducting exercises with foreign air forces.
Other local news outlets reported that the agreement will also allow Singapore's military to permanently park some of its fighter jets and other defence assets in India.
Although Singapore's armed forces have carried out training missions in India, New Delhi has never "leased" out its military installations to foreign countries on a long-term basis, the Daily News and Analysis (DNA) newspaper observed in its report.
The Indian government, however, did not specify the terms of payment in its official statement on the defence arrangement.
Defence analysts said the finalization of the agreement reflected the growing defence relationship with Singapore and would enhance New Delhi's "Look East policy."
The Singapore army, air force personnel and fighters have been conducting joint training and exercises with Indian military for the past few years. The two countries participated recently in the multi-naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal.
The RSAF has been using Indian air bases for training exercises, while its armoured formations have been undertaking manoeuvres in the firing ranges of the Indian Army.
For Singapore, which is strapped for space, being among the world's smallest countries, this is not a unique pact. It has similar agreements in place with United States, Australia, Taiwan and New Zealand.
