India and Singapore navies to start joint exercises: PM Modi

As part of government's 'Act East policy', PM Modi and Singapore prime minister Lee Hsien Loong met today to issue a joint statement ahead of the Shangri-La Dialogue later on Friday.

"India and Singapore have signed several MoUs, including in defence," Loong said. The Singapore prime minister said India is a long-standing friend of the country and he was happy to host the Indian prime minister.

Expanding on Singapore prime minister's statement, PM Modi said relations between the two countries is smooth.

"Economic cooperation will be increased," Modi said, adding," Singapore is an important source of FDI for India."

The Indian prime minister said the two countries were engaged in "digital cooperation" while pitching for stronger India-Singapore ties.

India and Singapore will review the air service soon, the prime minister informed.

"India and Singapore Navy will start joint naval excercise," the PM said during the joint statement.

The navies of the two countries have already signed an agreement.